Insurance

Unfortunately, not everybody acquires their furniture, silver, ceramics, jewellery and works of art legally. Consequently, over the last ten years, it's not just values which have gone up - certain crime statistics have risen alarmingly as well.

In England and Wales the figures for domestic burglaries have soared from 349,692 in 1981 to 624,272 in 1991, an increase of over 78%*.

Obviously nothing can ever really make up for the loss of a much loved heirloom or collection, but if you are inadequately insured, then the blow is a double one.

The best way of guarding against this is to have an inventory and valuation of all your more important pieces. Gorringe's Valuations Department will prepare this for you, itemising everything over an agreed value. However, our service doesn't stop there.

We can also:

• Arrange for a photographic record to be made of your most important items - making recovery more likely following a loss.
• Advise on permanent identification marking of your personal effects.
• Arrange for a crime prevention survey to be undertaken at your home.
• Commission a report and a quote by a security alarm installation company.

Contact one of our auctioneers to discuss how Gorringes can help value your antiques for insurance.

* Source: Sussex Police