What type of insurance covers a handbag?

From morning commutes to Saturday brunch and weekends away - your handbag comes everywhere with you. Here's how to make sure it's covered, whatever your plans.

Do I need to insure my handbag?

No, it’s not a legal must-have - but it can save a lot of stress (and money) if something happens to it.

Think about what you carry every day: phone, makeup, house keys, that one perfume you can’t live without and, if you’re feeling fancy, those designer sunnies you picked up in duty free.

Add the cost of the bag itself, and suddenly, losing it could leave a big dent in your wallet. Insurance can take that worry off your shoulders if it's lost, stolen or damaged.

What type of insurance covers my handbag?

Most home contents policies will cover your bag while it’s at home. But once you step outside, that cover might stop.

Let's have a look at the specifics:

What type of insurance covers my handbag?

If your bag’s listed under your contents insurance, it’s usually protected from theft or damage while indoors. Just keep an eye on your insurer's single-item limit. If your bag is worth more than that, you'll need to name it separately on your policy so it's fully covered.

What about cover for my handbag when I’m out?

If you're dashing for a train or browsing the shops, your bag might not be covered unless your policy includes personal possessions cover. This add-on keeps your bag and its contents protected while you're on the move.

If your bag's particularly valuable, or you've got a whole collection, you might want to look into specialist handbag insurance. But for most people, making sure their home policy has the right add-ons is enough.

What is the single-item limit for insurance policies?

The single-item limit is the most your insurer will pay out for one thing - unless you’ve told them it’s worth more and added it to your policy.

The limit varies between insurers, but it's often around £1,000. If your handbag (plus everything you cart around in it) is worth more than that, you'll need to list it as a high value item.

What do I need to know when considering cover for my handbag?

If you're making sure your handbag's listed on your contents insurance (or adding personal possessions cover so it's protected outside the home) here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. There’ll be limits on what's covered. For example, if your bag gets swiped because you left it on a cafe table while you popped to the loo, your insurer might not pay out. Policies expect you to take 'reasonable care' of your belongings.
   
   
2. It's not always worth claiming. If your excess is higher than the cost of replacing the bag and what's inside it, you're better off saving your no-claims bonus and paying out of pocket.
   
   
3. Proof of purchase helps. If your bag's on the pricier side, your insurer might want proof you own it. Receipts, bank statements, or confirmation emails can save you a lot of back and forth later.

What should I do if my handbag is stolen?

It’s one of those nightmare situations you hope never happens. But if it does, knowing what to do can make things a lot less stressful.

First, call the police and report it. Then, go through what was inside your bag:

1. Bank cards - Cancel them as soon as you can (most banking apps let you do this in seconds).
   
   
2. Mobile phone - Borrow someone's phone and call your network provider to block both your handset and your account.
   
   
3. Important docs - If your passport or driving licence was in there, contact the DVLA or check GOV.UK for what to do next.
   
   
4. House and car keys - If your house keys are gone, you might want to change the locks, especially if your address was in your bag. If it's your car keys, let your car insurer know.

Once that’s done, it's time to make your insurance claim. Most insurers let you do it online or over the phone. If you're unsure how, just give them a call and they'll walk you through it.

How can I get an insurance quote for my handbag?

When you get a home insurance quote with us, we'll ask: "Do you want to insure other items worth over £1,000 each?" If you've got an expensive handbag, this is your chance to make sure it's covered.

We'll also check if you want cover that protects your bag when you're away from home - aka personal possessions cover. That way, you can step out the door knowing your bag's looked after, whether it's in your hallway or over your shoulder on a day out.