Homeowners advised to keep gardens covered

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Homeowners advised to keep gardens covered

Homeowners have been advised to make sure their garden contents are covered by their home insurance policy by moneysupermarket.com’s Steve Sweeney.

The average value of garden items is £700, and many gardens’ contents are worth over £1,000 with sun loungers, trees, smaller plants and barbecues.

However there is a significant shortfall between the average value of contents and many home insurance policies which only cover gardens to the tune of £500.

This could leave homeowners significantly out of pocket in the event of a serious storm, flooding or being targeted by thieves.

Sweeney explains that fences, patios, conservatories, gates and outbuildings fall under the buildings section of policies and so should not require additional protection.

Esure home insurance offers £2,000 of garden coverage, and Marks & Spencer has unlimited plant coverage.

In addition homeowners should check for maximum claims per item, whether specific types of damage are covered and other policy details.

The warning echoes one made by Towergate in March when the insurance intermediary advised people to be vigilante when the clocks went forward as the lighter evenings could help cause a spike in garden burglaries.