What does single article limit mean?

In home insurance, the single article (single-item) limit is the maximum payout for any one item under unspecified Contents/Valuables cover. Items worth more than this limit usually need to be specified as high-value items for their full value.

When it applies

• Typically relevant to valuables such as jewellery, watches, art and collectibles.
• Limits may differ at home vs away from home (if you’ve added Personal Possessions).
• Some categories (e.g. bicycles) can have separate limits.
• Your overall Contents sum insured still applies; the single article limit just caps any one item unless it’s specified.

If an HRP item wasn’t recorded correctly (under-insurance)

If a high-risk (HRP) item should have been specified but wasn’t, and the risk would still have been acceptable had it been correctly declared, insurers will usually apply proportional settlement for under-insurance. If the risk wouldn’t have been acceptable on correct disclosure, the policy may be voided and the claim declined.

Proportional settlement (example)

• Premium paid: £200
• Correct premium if the HRP had been specified: £250
• Proportion applied to the claim: £200/£250 = 80%
• If the standard single article limit is £2,000, the effective cap becomes £1,600 (80% of £2,000), before any excess.

What you should do

• Check your Schedule for your single article limit and any separate limits (e.g. away from home, bicycles).
• Specify items worth more than the limit (e.g. a watch, ring or artwork).
• Keep proof of value/ownership (receipts, valuations, photos) and review after purchases or at renewal.
• Note that sets/collections may be treated as one item, so do check your wording.

For exact limits, definitions and how proportional settlement may be applied, always refer to your Policy Booklet and Policy Schedule, or contact us for guidance.