Insurance Replacement

(Sometimes referred to as Pre-Loss)

Insurance valuations are required to provide evidence of value and ownership pre and post loss or damage.

Valuables are not always covered outside the home, neither may higher value items be automatically covered under a contents policy at all. Insurers providing all risk or specified cover may now insist on valuations prepared by an Institute Registered Valuer. Policy limitations are often capped on two levels – a single article limit (which may not be exceeded by any one item) and the total sum insured (the maximum amount covered for valuables irrespective of individual worth or quantity). It is important to ensure you have the necessary levels of cover, otherwise you may find yourself having to make up any shortfall.

What is the difference between an Auction Valuation and an Insurance Valuation?

Auction Valuation

An auction valuation is a pre-sale estimate, usually given as a price range, for example £180-£220. Our team of specialists at Fellows will be able to assist you and provide estimates based on previous sale results for similar items, market trends, condition, along with any specialist interest.

Insurance Valuation

It is up to the owner of the item to be able to prove content and worth. This is especially important when an unfortunate event arises and you need to make a claim. The value stated will be fully researched and representative of replacement prices within the most appropriate market. Your valuation can also help clarify to your insurer why a mainstream high street supplier or modern article may not be suitable.

Post Loss

It is always far better to have valuations already available in the event of you having to provide details of any item. It can certainly save time and stress by avoiding the additional inconvenience of rummaging through photographs, old receipts, out of date valuations or worrying about trying to establish dimensions of any piece that is missing. If this is however your only option we are able to prepare a post loss estimate to assist.

Remember, in the event an item is spotted by you or recovered by the police, they will not be able to return it to your possession without proper proof of ownership.

How often should I get my items valued?

Insurance valuations should be reviewed fairly regularly. Accurate pricing adjustments can also help keep your insurance premium as economical as possible. Values can go down as well as up due to various factors such as precious metal/stone prices, exchange rates and condition. It is worth bearing in mind that a claim is always validated at the current market price irrespective of the sum insured. In this scenario an unnecessarily high insurance value is only likely to cost you more premium in the long run. We recommend having your valuations reviewed every three to five years and here at Fellows we only charge a reduced update fee instead of a full valuation fee each time you have your prices re-checked.

What does my valuation include?

You will receive:

• A fully detailed description for each item along with explanatory notes
• Digital colour photographs
• Stylish Presentation
• Inspection of each item and advice on any repair recommendations
• Condition report
• Insurer's summary

Insurance Valuation Costs

Document Fee: £60.00

Plus Per Item Fee

Plain Metal: £30.00

Simple Gem Set: £40.00

Complicated Gem Set: £60.00

Group (up to 10 items): £30.00

Portfolio Format

Premium Item (items worth £5,000 or more): £120.00*

Exceptional (signed/researched)* estimate

*Additional laboratory fees may apply

To discuss an insurance valuation or post loss estimate requirement contact our in house Institute Registered Valuer:


Geoff Whitefield FIRV, FNAG

Institute of Registered Valuers No: 91805

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

0121 212 5504