Cows, cookery and kayaks - a wealth of ways to lose your wedding ring

Flushed down the loo, lost while kayaking and run over by a car are amongst reasons behind claims for lost and damaged wedding rings, according to new information from Aviva.

With wedding season in full swing and August expected to be one of the busiest months following postponements last year, the insurer is urging couples to make sure their rings are protected.

Between July 2020 and July 2021,* Aviva settled more than 300 UK claims for wedding rings which were lost, stolen or damaged.

While theft was the most common reason for claims, Aviva also paid out for rings which slipped off due to weight loss or had to be cut off due to injuries. One customer lost a ring while feeding his cows, while others were lost when owners took them off while baking or cooking – and the jewellery ended up in the bin. One claimant even said that they had lost their ring at somebody else’s wedding. 

Make sure your rings (and other valuables) are covered

Most insurers will have a “single item limit” on their home insurance for valuables such as jewellery, typically between £1,000 and £2,000. Customers should inform their insurance provider of any possessions above this threshold in case they need to be listed separately, to ensure they are adequately covered. 

Customers should also be mindful that home insurance will usually cover items for loss or theft which occurs from the home or garden, but that a suitable add-on may be required to cover possessions when out and about. Personal belongings cover can provide insurance for items anywhere in the world.

Some insurance policies may stipulate that specific items of value need to be stored in a safe when not being worn or used. Customers should check with their insurance provider if they have any special terms on their policy for their items.

Aviva also warns that some older jewellery pieces may be worth more than people think, due to the fluctuating values of precious metals. An up-to-date independent valuation can help customers to determine whether they need to review their home cover for existing jewellery items.

If customers are claiming for a ring or a piece of jewellery where a replacement can’t be found, as part of the claims service, Aviva offers a facility through which a jewellery item can be designed and manufactured as a replica of the original. This is useful for bespoke pieces, particularly older sentimental items, so customers are able to receive something very similar to their original treasured possession. 

Dave Lovely, Global Claims Director for Aviva says: “Whether someone is a newlywed or celebrating their golden wedding anniversary, unfortunately there’s a chance that a precious ring could be lost, stolen or damaged – so insurance can provide peace of mind in case the unforeseeable happens.

“We’d also encourage people to speak to their insurer to make sure they have suitable cover for their needs – for example, if someone wants cover for their jewellery anywhere in the world, personal belongings insurance could be a useful addition. It’s also important to check whether any valuable items need to be identified separately on a policy or require special terms. With a wedding boom expected this year, the right cover can mean one less thing to think about on the big day!”

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Sources:

_{*Information relates to Aviva home insurance claims for rings between 01 July 2020 and 30 June 2021. Aviva settled 312 UK claims for wedding rings during this period.}

_{The top 20 most common reasons for Aviva UK wedding ring claims during this period are listed as follows:}

<sub>1. Theft / burglary.
2. Lost while shopping.
3. Taking it off for work / lost at work.
4. Lost while gardening.
5. Taking it off / having ring cut off due to injury or pain.
6. Lost while out walking.
7. Lost at the beach.
8. Diamonds / stones falling out.
9. Lost while swimming / playing in the sea.
10. Lost while playing golf.
11. Ring slipped off after losing weight.
12. Ring lost after taking off to wash hands.
13. Lost while on holiday.
14. Taking it off for an operation / hospital appointment.
15. Lost after taking it off (general).
16. Flushed down the toilet.
17. Ring was accidentally binned.
18. Lost during watersports e.g. kayaking, paddleboarding etc.
19. Taken off while cooking / baking and thrown away.
20. Lost in the snow.</sub>

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