The value of a British woman’s handbag and its contents is a lot higher than most women — or men — realise, according to a survey by an insurance company published on Wednesday.
The survey of 1 700 women by Prudential Home Insurance found many women were shocked to find the total value of all the perfumes, cellphones, sunglasses and other items was £577 (R6 750) on average.
By contrast, women tended to estimate the value of their bags and everything in them at an average of £153,33 (R1 790).
The majority of women polled put make-up as the most valuable single item, with one in four carrying a set worth up to £50.
Half of those surveyed regularly carry up to £50 (R585) in cash in their bags.
Prudential spokesperson Nicole Dodunski said: ”Apart from the usual bits and bobs, women really do carry a lot of valuable items in their handbags without actually realising it.”
The company was seeking to promote its handbag insurance policy, noting that almost 90% of all handbags were uninsured.
The survey put the average value of the handbag at £30, purse and contents at £65, cellphone at £199, make-up at £50, sunglasses at £50, leather organiser at £35 and hairbrush at £8.
Perfume accounted for a further £40 and replacement cost for house and car keys was £100. — Sapa-DPA