We often insure the obvious: buildings, contents, cars. But there are many hidden or unusual items in your home that might not be covered — unless you explicitly insure them. As a private client, your lifestyle likely includes possessions or features that go beyond standard home insurance assumptions. Here’s a guide to often-overlooked risks.
1. E-bikes, electric scooters, and luxury bikes
While a standard policy may cover “regular bikes” up to a modest value and only when kept inside, e-bikes or premium models often exceed those limits. Some policies only cover bikes while on your property, not when out. Ask for personal possessions cover or a specific extension.
2. Garden installations & sculptures
Outdoor artworks, sculptures, fountains, pergolas, or bespoke garden furniture may not be covered or may be subject to low sub-limits. They’re often considered “fixtures” or “garden property,” so ensure they’re included under your contents or specified in a schedule.
3. Wine, spirits, and fine cellars
If you store a collection of fine wine, whisky, or other alcoholic beverages, standard contents cover may exclude or limit the cover for these. Make sure the total sum of the collection is noted separately within the policy to ensure cover is sufficiently provided.
4. Musical instruments & high-end audio gear
Musical instruments, recording equipment, or premium speaker systems may exceed standard individual item limits. Make sure you check the inner limits within your policy wordings. If you use them outside the home, make sure these are included within your personal possession cover away from home
5. Wine coolers, server rooms, smart home systems
Server racks, data storage, AV systems, and intelligent home automation gear can be expensive to repair or replace and sometimes excluded or limited in standard policies.
6. Collections & hobby items
Stamp collections, coin hoards, model trains, limited-edition memorabilia or comic or trading card collections can quickly outgrow basic cover. These are best insured under a specialist collection policy or noted separately under the “valuables” section of your home insurance policy.
7. Outbuildings, workshops & annexes
Garages, garden offices, guest houses, or pool houses may only receive limited cover under a primary home policy. If they contain equipment (e.g. gym gear, power tools, small business inventory) you’ll want separate coverage or extensions.
8. Temporary removals, transit & while in use
Many policies only cover your contents within your home. Removal for repairs, moving, or while carrying items outside (e.g. carrying jewellery to a safe or visiting an exhibition) may require additional insurance.
Why Standard Cover Often Fails
- Sub-limits and categories — Policies often impose low limits on “special items,” “valuables,” or “garden property.”
- Unspecified vs. scheduled items — Unspecified items face stricter caps; scheduled items allow fuller, tailored coverage.
- Territorial limits — Off-premises damage or theft may not be covered unless declared.
How Hayes Parsons Private Client Insurance Fills These Gaps
With Hayes Parsons’, you can benefit from:
- Tailored schedules for high-value and specialised items, ensuring full declared sums.
- Extended cover options (accidental damage, transit, worldwide use) beyond standard home insurance.
- Flexible rebuild cost assessment for outbuildings, annexes, and custom enhancements.
- Consultative underwriting — your broker works with counterparts to negotiate terms that suit your bespoke property and possessions.
- Ongoing review and mid-term adjustments. As your assets evolve, your cover can follow.
Are there treasures in your home you think are “too unusual” to insure? Get in touch with Hayes Parsons’ Private Client team to audit your home and identify blind spots. We’ll help you ensure that nothing of value is left out.
