With long weekends and Bank Holidays galore over the next few months, we’ll all be spending more time outdoors gardening or enjoying the milder weather.
Whilst you’re dusting off the barbie and sprucing up the garden consider whether or not your garden treasures are adequately insured.
Analysis from comparison site
MoneySupermarket, reveals most home contents policies make provisions for garden items, but the level of cover varies considerably. For example the maximum protection for items kept outdoors is £250 with Churchill Insurance while M&S Money offers unlimited cover.
Remember to factor in big ticket items such as patio heaters, barbecues, lawnmowers, bikes, gym equipment and furniture. Items stored in sheds need to be kept as secure as they would be in the home.
Check your policy
Providers offer differing levels of cover for outbuildings. Budget Insurance covers up to £2,000 but Halifax and M&S Money offer unlimited protection.
Christian Harper of London’s fixed-fee estate agent
OliverFinn: “When people look at what they've got in the garden it’s quite surprising how much it all adds up to. It's also worth looking at your policy details to see if there is a single item limit."
Top ten tips:
1) Insurers are specific about what is and isn't covered as part of contents and outbuildings. Read the small print and ensure your open space is fully insured.
2) Don't let thieves have easy access to your garden. Lock and bolt gates and repair fences.
3) Make sure your shed has a good lock.
4) Do not leave expensive tools or bicycles lying in your garden. If they are not properly secured they might not be covered.
5) Make sure damage to walls, gates and fences is covered under your buildings insurance policy. Not all insurers provide this as standard.
6) Install a security light as a deterrent to any would-be thief.
7) Keep receipts for items purchased for the garden in case of claims. It may be worth declaring single expensive items worth - your policy may have a limit.
8) If you have lots of expensive items in your garden you might be better opting for a high net-worth policy.
9) If you have a hot tub, jacuzzi or swimming pool make sure you tell your insurer as this is unlikely to be covered automatically.
10) Make sure you know what is excluded in your cover. Most will not cover loss or damage if your home is unoccupied.
With long weekends and Bank Holidays galore over the next few months, we’ll all be spending more time outdoors gardening or enjoying the milder weather.
Whilst you’re dusting off the barbie and sprucing up the garden consider whether or not your garden treasures are adequately insured.
Analysis from comparison site MoneySupermarket, reveals most home contents policies make provisions for garden items, but the level of cover varies considerably. For example the maximum protection for items kept outdoors is £250 with Churchill Insurance while M&S Money offers unlimited cover.
Remember to factor in big ticket items such as patio heaters, barbecues, lawnmowers, bikes, gym equipment and furniture. Items stored in sheds need to be kept as secure as they would be in the home.
Check your policy
Providers offer differing levels of cover for outbuildings. Budget Insurance covers up to £2,000 but Halifax and M&S Money offer unlimited protection.
Christian Harper of London’s fixed-fee estate agent OliverFinn: “When people look at what they've got in the garden it’s quite surprising how much it all adds up to. It's also worth looking at your policy details to see if there is a single item limit."
Top ten tips:
1) Insurers are specific about what is and isn't covered as part of contents and outbuildings. Read the small print and ensure your open space is fully insured.
2) Don't let thieves have easy access to your garden. Lock and bolt gates and repair fences.
3) Make sure your shed has a good lock.
4) Do not leave expensive tools or bicycles lying in your garden. If they are not properly secured they might not be covered.
5) Make sure damage to walls, gates and fences is covered under your buildings insurance policy. Not all insurers provide this as standard.
6) Install a security light as a deterrent to any would-be thief.
7) Keep receipts for items purchased for the garden in case of claims. It may be worth declaring single expensive items worth - your policy may have a limit.
8) If you have lots of expensive items in your garden you might be better opting for a high net-worth policy.
9) If you have a hot tub, jacuzzi or swimming pool make sure you tell your insurer as this is unlikely to be covered automatically.
10) Make sure you know what is excluded in your cover. Most will not cover loss or damage if your home is unoccupied.
