Homeowners possessions

16% of homeowners with jewellery worth more than €2,500 say it is uninsured or are unaware if it is covered on their policy 

Family photographs tops the list of most treasured possessions

28 January 2025, Dublin:  A recent survey reveals that 36% of homeowners possess jewellery valued at over €2,500. However, the survey, conducted by iReach Insights on behalf of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC (Aviva) has found that only 20% have these items insured and itemised on homeowners’ policies. The remaining 16% of respondents admitted that their jewels were either uninsured (9%), they were unable to afford insurance (3%), or they were unsure of their insurance status (4%). The survey, which included 1,000 adults nationwide, also explored what homeowners consider to be their most valuable possessions, with 47% naming family photographs as their top choice.

The Aviva survey found that:

• Some 39% of homeowners don’t own an item of jewellery worth more than €2,500, while 25% admitted to not owning any at all.
• An almost equal number of men (14%) and women (15%) have jewellery worth more than €2,500, with those aged 45-54 years most likely to have them insured and itemised at 20%.
• 12% of those aged 25-34 claim to have jewellery worth more than €2,500 that they have not insured, with more men (10%) than women (7%) claiming this.
• The highest percentage of those claiming not to own an individual item of jewellery worth €2,500 were aged 55+ at 45%, 54% of whom were women (men: 26%).

The survey also unveiled the items that homeowners hold most dear, with family photographs emerging as the clear favourite. Respondents were asked to select their single most treasured possession from a list, which revealed some fascinating insights into what people value most in their homes.

Key Findings:

• Family Photographs: Topping the list, 47% of respondents chose family photographs as their most cherished possession. These snapshots of precious memories highlight the importance of family and shared experiences.  Women are more likely to consider family photographs as their most treasured possession (52%) than men (30%), and those in the older age cohorts of 34-55+.
• High-Tech Gadgets: In second place, 16% of homeowners selected high-tech items such as TVs, laptops, game consoles, and stereo systems, showing the growing significance of technology in our daily lives.  Unsurprising high-tech items are more treasured by men (31%) than women (17%) and those aged 18-24 at 36%.
• Jewellery: 12% of participants treasure their jewellery the most, indicating the sentimental and often monetary value these items hold.
• Books: For 7% of respondents, books are their most prized possessions.
• Watches: 5% of homeowners selected watches.
• Children's Artwork: Another 5% cherish their children's artwork, underscoring the sentimental value of these creative expressions.
• Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art are the most treasured possessions for 5% of respondents.
• Music Collection: Finally, 4% of homeowners choose their music collection as their most treasured possession, the majority of whom were in the 18–24-year age category at 10%.

“The survey also sheds light on the diverse range of items that people hold dear, from sentimental family photographs to cutting-edge technology. It also underscores the emotional and personal significance of these possessions, which often go beyond their material value,” concluded Julie Frazer.