Average value of a handbag and its contents increases by a third, according to new data

In the lead up to London Fashion Week, new claims data from Aviva suggests that the average value of a handbag and its contents has increased by 34% over the last four years, with claim values rising from £1,217 in 2021 to £1,633 in 2025^[1].

The data – which looks at claims from January 2021 – July 2025 – reveals theft away from home accounts for almost half (49%) of all handbag claims. 

Although theft is the leading risk, analysis also reveals that handbags are often subject to mishaps and spills, with claims for accidental damage accounting for 38% of all handbag claims.

According to the data, one of the highest value handbags and its contents came to over £20,000 - with thieves stealing a designer handbag that also included a high-value watch, sunglasses and expensive jewellery.

Other example claims include:

• Misplaced handbags on kitchen hobs, almost leading to a fire
• Swiped handbags while shopping, with thieves targeting people unloading their items into the car 
• Stolen bags while travelling away from home – from trains to planes 
• Feet getting caught in the handles, ripping the bag apart, as well as trapped handles in the boot of a car
• Countless snatched bags while dining out – right from under the claimant’s nose
• Smaller items such as jewellery, air pods, keys and phones pick-pocketed from handbags
• Spilled drinks from wine, water and coffee, damaging the material of the handbag

Carolyn Scott, Head of Home and Travel Underwriting at Aviva: “It’s amazing how much we carry around in our handbags, from gadgets - such as phones and tablets - to more personal items such as jewellery, sunglasses and beauty products. The value of these items can soon add up, with our data showing that the average handbag claim has increased by over a third in recent years.

“The jump in claims costs could also – in part – be explained by a possible increase in people investing in more expensive handbags, which can run into the hundreds or thousands of pounds. While home policies will provide a basic level of cover for handbags as part of your contents in your home, it’s worth considering optional Personal Belongings cover, which will protect your possessions anywhere in the world. You could also consider taking out Accidental Damage, which would provide cover for spills and rips that happen in the home.”

Aviva’s top tips for protecting your handbag and its contents include:

• Check your policy - If you’ve invested in a high-end or designer handbag, it’s worth checking whether it’s covered under your current home insurance policy. If you own multiple high-end handbags or are planning to expand your collection, you may require a high net worth or more specialised insurance policy that offers greater protection for higher value luxury items such as designer bags, shoes and jewellery. 
• Consider any add-ons - You could consider taking out Accidental Damage cover, which is usually an optional add-on to most home insurance policies, and provides cover for unexpected and sudden damage, such as spilling something on your handbag and damaging the material while in your own home.  Another optional add-on to consider is Personal Belongings, which provides cover for all the items you are likely to carry with you anywhere in the world, not just the UK. A single item limit is likely to apply, so just be aware that you’ll need to specify more expensive items individually. It’s important that you also insure for the replacement value of the item, so that you aren’t left short in the unfortunate event you need to make a claim.  
• Think about the contents of your bag – Although it’s tempting to store anything and everything in your handbag, consider whether you need to bring everything with you. If it’s sentimental or very valuable it could be worth leaving at home.  
• Keep it close and closed – If you can, always go for a bag that zips or fastens securely as thieves commonly pickpocket items such as phones from handbags. Wearing it across your body or keeping it in front of you could make it less tempting for opportunistic thieves. Never leave your bag on a table unattended or out of sight either – which can make you an easy target. 
• Store and protect - When your bag’s not in use, keep it in its dust bag or even a soft pillowcase. A bit of tissue paper or bubble wrap inside can also help it keep its shape. When thinking about where to store it at home, be sure to keep out of direct sunlight or near radiators, which will help prevent fading or cracking over time and be aware that damage caused in these ways won’t be covered. 
• Maintenance is key - Be wary of using lotions and hand sanitiser which could leave marks on delicate materials such as leather. If you’re investing in designer handbags a gentle clean and a quick check for wear and tear every few months can go a long way and keep it in good condition, should you ever wish to sell it in the future. 
• Be careful about sharing on social media – You may be keeping up to date with the latest trends but the chances are, thieves will be too. Avoid sharing your latest purchase on social media to help prevent you from becoming a target. Very expensive or on-trend bags are attractive to bag-snatchers, so it may be best to leave these items at home. 

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References:

¹_{Aviva home claims data from January 2021 - July 2025.  [↑]} 

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