Handbag insurance: cover for your valuables while you are out and about
Topics
AT A GLANCE
The doors close behind you as you get off the tram – and when you notice that your handbag is missing it is already too late. What many people are unaware of is that standard household contents insurance does not pay out for simple theft outside the home. We explain which solution applies when and are there for you at all times as a reliable partner.
The insurance check: when does separate handbag insurance make sense?
Although the number of thefts fell slightly in 2025 according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the risk remains ubiquitous. With more than 154,000 registered cases per year, theft remains the most frequent offence in Switzerland – it is around three times more common than digital crime, for example.
Today, luxury handbags such as the Hermès Birkin or the Chanel Classic Flap are far more than just fashionable accessories. Many people regard them as an investment, as their market value can actually increase over time.
Traditional household contents insurance is often insufficient for valuable items like these. The sum insured may be too low, and damage or loss that you cause yourself generally is not c.overed.
For that reason, it is advisable to take out household contents all risks insurance. It covers jewellery, luxury watches and designer pieces against theft, loss and sudden damage.
GOOD TO KNOW
Another option is valuables insurance, which allows you to insure your precious favourite items individually. It provides extended insurance cover specifically for high-value items such as jewellery, watches, artworks and designer handbags – against theft, sudden damage and destruction, worldwide* and at replacement value.
*In the case of uninterrupted stays abroad, worldwide cover is valid for two years.
What you should check in your policy:
- Is “simple theft” insured in your policy, and is the chosen sum sufficient for your bag?
- Is the cover high enough to replace your designer bag and its contents?
- Is damage caused by accidents, falls or liquids covered, or is the insurance only for theft?
- Is the cover also valid abroad?
How much does it cost to insure my handbag?
The costs depend on how you insure it.
- There are no additional costs for basic household contents insurance, but it only covers robbery and burglary outside the home – not theft in a café, for example.
- The add-on for simple theft outside the home extends this cover. However, there are separate terms and conditions and a deductible for this. In addition, the sum insured may well be too low for designer bags.
- Allianz valuables insurance is based on the replacement value of your bag and can be taken out from a replacement value of CHF 500.
Emergency checklist: important steps to take after a theft.
If your bag has been stolen, every minute counts. You should take the following steps to ensure your entitlement.
- Block your cards: immediately block your bank and credit cards and your mobile phone SIM card via the respective blocking hotlines. You can also use the Allianz card blocking service.
- Inform the police: go to the police and report the theft as soon as possible.
- Notify your insurer: with Allianz, you can use our online form to report your claim. Have your policy number and police report confirmation ready.
- Provide receipts: submit the receipt for the bag, the certificate of authenticity and photos to the insurer. This speeds up the valuation and payout process.
- Wait for the claims notification: answer queries promptly and submit any missing documents later.
Allianz handbag insurance: the solution for high-value collector’s items
Household contents all risks insurance is an excellent option for anyone who wants to extend their existing policy. It covers jewellery and designer items against theft, sudden damage and destruction.
For high-value collector’s items, we recommend taking out valuables insurance from Allianz. This comes into play when your household contents insurance reaches its limits. Valuables insurance covers theft, simple theft and sudden damage to or destruction of your bag.
Key benefits of valuables insurance:
- Possible from a replacement value of CHF 500: designer and collector’s items can also be included separately.
- Can be taken out flexibly: as a stand-alone policy or as an addition to your existing household contents insurance.
- Personalised advice: our experts are there for you personally throughout Switzerland.
Insure your bag at replacement value now
Whether it’s an everyday companion or a collector’s item, with valuables insurance from Allianz, you can insure your bag at replacement value worldwide. Our advisors will support you personally, from the valuation through to the policy conclusion.
Frequently asked questions and answers
The basic cover only applies to burglary or robbery – not to unnoticed theft while you are out and about. For simple theft outside the home, you need additional cover. Furthermore, in the case of high-value designer bags, the agreed sum insured may be too low to cover the full replacement value.
With Allianz, items can be insured from a replacement value of CHF 500. The key figure is the price you would pay to buy a new version of the bag that has been stolen or lost.
The add-on for “simple theft outside the home” covers your handbags abroad. Allianz valuables insurance covers handbags worldwide* at replacement value. Before travelling, it is worth arranging a short consultation to check your sum insured and scope of cover.
*In the case of uninterrupted stays abroad, worldwide cover is valid for two years.
Allianz valuables insurance covers explicitly listed, individual items. As a rule, this does not include your wallet, keys and everyday items. High-value contents such as expensive sunglasses and smartphones can be insured separately via the “simple theft outside the home” add-on. It is not possible to insure cash.
AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE!
The optimal insurance for you? Let's find out during a personal appointment.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN
Single-item insurance
Whether it’s watches, bicycles or jewellery – get optimal cover for your favourite items and find out more about our single-item and valuables insurance here.
Simple theft outside the home
It is very annoying when something is stolen while you are out and about. We explain what constitutes "simple theft outside the home" and what you should bear in mind.
Household contents all risks
With our all risks cover, your household contents are insured without any gaps. And with far more benefits than our traditional household contents cover offers.
Follow us