The £25 million jewellery heist that insurance couldn't cover
Talk to your insurance broker and always read the small print
In a shocking revelation, Tamara Ecclestone and her husband, Jay Rutland, discovered that their £25 million worth of stolen jewellery wasn't covered by insurance. The 2019 burglary at their £75 million Kensington mansion exposed a critical oversight: their policy explicitly excluded coverage for jewellery and watches.
The heist details
The burglars, part of an international gang, meticulously planned the operation, breaking through over 25 doors to access the valuables. Despite the high-profile nature of the crime, the only insured loss was the £45,000 worth of property damage caused during the break-in.
A wider crime spree
This wasn't an isolated incident. The same gang reportedly scouted other celebrity homes, including those of Kate Moss and Eric Clapton, before settling on their targets. The homes of Frank Lampard and the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha were also burglarised during this spree.
The insurance oversight
Rutland admitted fault, stating, "Don't get me wrong, that's our own fault and clearly it teaches you the importance of checking the small print."1 The policy's exclusion of jewellery and watches left them unable to claim for their significant losses.
A growing concern
This incident highlights a broader issue. According to Aviva, there has been a 43% increase in high-value jewellery theft claims between 2022 and 20232. Many homeowners may be underinsured, especially given the rising value of precious metals and gems.
Protecting your valuables to safe safeguard against such losses:
Review your insurance policy
Insure it covers high-value items like jewellery and watches.
Regular valuations
Have your valuables appraised periodically to reflect their current market value.
Secure storage
Use insurance-approved safes and security systems.
Be discreet
Avoid showcasing expensive items publicly or on social media.
Talk to PIB Private Clients
For more detailed advice on protecting your jewellery, talk to our experts who can make recommendations on safeguarding high-value items and recommend the best cover in the event of a loss.