With longer evenings on the horizon, British households may unknowingly be at risk of inadequate garden insurance coverage. A recent study by financial information business Defaqto, reported by Lancashire Telegraph, highlights the growing concerns around outdoor thefts.
Many homes may be underinsured for valuable garden items like bikes, barbecues, and furniture. This gap in coverage, coupled with the rise in theft opportunities as days lengthen, calls for homeowners to reassess their policies.
The warning emphasises that without proper insurance, families could face significant financial losses from stolen or damaged outdoor possessions.
Gaps in coverage for sheds and garden items
Many households invest significant amounts of money into their gardens and outdoor spaces but fail to ensure that their insurance covers the items they store outdoors. According to Angela Pilley, a home insurance expert at Defaqto,
People invest thousands in their gardens and outdoor spaces, but often fail to check if they’re covered.
While 95% of home insurance products include cover for outbuildings like sheds and garages, only 15% actually cover theft up to the full contents sum insured. Some products offer as little as £250, which won’t even cover a decent lawnmower
Another common oversight is the failure to properly secure sheds and outbuildings. Pilley highlighted that 25% of insurance providers would not pay out if thieves could access the property without forcing their way in.
Coverage for outdoor items
The coverage for items stored outside, such as furniture and barbecues, also varies significantly. Some policies provide minimal coverage, with limits ranging from £250 to the full contents sum insured.
And when it comes to outdoor items like furniture and barbecues, limits vary from £250 to the full contents sum insured, so now is the time to check your cover, especially if you’ve splurged on any expensive items that are stored outside – Pilley explained.
As the weather improves and more people use their gardens, it is crucial to check if expensive outdoor items are properly covered by garden insurance.
The study also revealed that 11% of home insurance products do not include coverage for bicycles. For those that do, limits typically range from £250 to £1,999 per bike. Defaqto emphasised the importance of securing bikes properly, whether stored in a shed or locked to an immovable object, as many providers will not cover theft if the bikes are left unsecured.
Risks during the summer holidays
Pilley cautioned that families with children should be particularly vigilant during the summer holidays.
Parents should be particularly careful during the summer holidays, as children often leave bikes lying around in the garden. Without proper security, families could be left seriously out of pocket – she said.
With children often leaving bikes and other items outside, proper security is essential to prevent theft. Without adequate garden insurance or security, families could face significant financial loss.
Finally, the study also noted that everyday items temporarily left outside, such as portable speakers or dining chairs, may not be covered under standard home insurance policies. Homeowners are urged to carefully review their garden insurance to ensure that these items are protected.
Defaqto analysed 262 standard home contents products in mid-March for the research. With an increasing risk of theft as the days get longer, it’s important for homeowners to reassess their policies to ensure proper coverage for outdoor items.
