Hidden treasures?

• Nearly two-thirds (62%) of homeowners surveyed say they own an item inherited from a family member or loved one ^[1]
• Yet only one in ten (10%) believe their inherited possessions have significant financial value
• Aviva analysis found the average claim for singular inherited items costs £2,671, while singular handmade items incurred an average cost of £3,960 ^[2]
• Older homeowners are among the most likely to own traditional heirlooms categories, but are also among the least likely to believe they have significant financial value: Just 9% of over-75s say their inherited item holds significant monetary worth, compared with 28% of 18-24-year-olds.
  
  
• Aviva is urging homeowners to consider whether inherited possessions may need a professional valuation and to check they have appropriate insurance cover

Many homeowners may be underestimating the value of treasured family possessions sitting in their homes, according to new research from Aviva.

Nearly two-thirds (62%^[1]) of homeowners surveyed say they own an item inherited from a family member or loved one.^[1] Yet despite the prevalence of heirlooms, only one in ten (10%) believe their inherited possessions have significant financial value.

However, analysis of Aviva claims data shows that claims for a singular inherited item incur an average cost of just over £2,671 ^[2]. These inherited items include lost rings, stones or gems falling out of inherited rings, a vase passed down from a late mother that accidentally fell to the floor, and a painting inherited from grandparents that was damaged during decorating.

Similarly, one in eight (13%) homeowners surveyed who have inherited items from a loved one have inherited something handmade that they keep in their home ^[1]. Aviva’s data reveals claims involving a singular handmade item cost an average £3,960 ^[2]. Claims include a handmade glass lamp that had been knocked over, a crushed wooden penny whistle and a handmade rug that had a drink spilled on it.

The research suggests older homeowners may be more likely to underestimate the value of inherited possessions. Over 75s who have inherited items from a loved one are the most likely to own traditional heirlooms such as decorative ornaments or figurines (40%) and crockery, glassware and silverware (33%), yet they are among the least likely age group to believe these items have significant financial value ^[1]. Just 9% of over-75s say their inherited item holds significant monetary worth, compared with 28% of 18-24-year-olds.

One-of-a-kind inherited items shared in the survey include a full-size rocking horse carved by the individual’s great-grandfather, RAF flying logbooks kept by a Second World War pilot, and a family bible of names, addresses and pressed flowers dating back to the 1700s.

Carolyn Scott, Head of Home and Lifestyle at Aviva, said: "When people think of heirlooms, things like jewellery, watches or other valuables come to mind. However, our research shows that family treasures can take many forms. Antique furniture, silverware, collections, historical documents and other inherited possessions may be worth considerably more than owners realise.

"A possession that’s been in the family for generations may never have been professionally valued and as a result people could be completely unaware of its true worth. Items may have increased in value over time due to their rarity, craftsmanship or collector demand.

“If you’ve inherited an item that may be valuable, it’s worth considering a professional valuation and checking whether your home insurance provides the appropriate level of cover”.

• Get it valued: If you think an inherited item may be valuable, consider a professional valuation.
  
  
• Tell your insurer: If an item turns out to be valuable, let your insurer know. Many home insurance policies have a single-item limit, and items worth more than this may need to be listed separately on your policy to be fully covered.
  
  
• Think about accidental damage: Fragile items such as glassware, ceramics and antique furniture can be easily damaged, so check whether your policy includes accidental damage cover.
  
  
• Keep a record: Photographs, receipts, valuation certificates and provenance notes can help with both valuation and any future claim. Store copies digitally or away from the items themselves.
  
  

Read more information on the research.

-ends-

^1. <sub>The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,006 homeowners. The data was collected between 29.06.2026 - 06.08.2026.

62% stat combines answer responses ‘Yes, and I know its full history and story’, ‘Yes, but I know very little about its history’, ‘Yes, and it also has significant monetary value’, and ‘Yes, and its value is entirely sentimental’ and ‘Yes, other, please specify’. [↑]</sub>

^2. <sub>Analysis of Aviva home claims notified in 2024 and 2025. Claim descriptions for singular items containing “handmade” and “inherit” have been analysed and included in the research accordingly. [↑]

###</sub>

Notes

• We are the UK’s only diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
  
  
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