Are Our Gardens Turning Us Into The “Good Life”?

According to research by Confused.com many more of us would rather spend time in the garden with a bag of fertilizer than in a hot tub of bubbles so are we really turning into a “Good Life” nation?

The study by price comparison site Confused.com found that only 2% of us in the UK have a hot in the garden whereas some 22% have a vegetable patch.

Almost a third of Brits admit to spending more money in their garden than any other area of their house. In fact three quarters say they prefer their garden to any other area of their home.

As Darren Black, head of home insurance, though points out “While the green-fingered can’t insure their carrots and spuds, it is important they think about all those other things in their garden when buying house insurance.  Many assume their garden’s contents are covered under home insurance when this is not always the case. The cost of replacing these items if they were stolen or damaged could be significant.

“Gardens are more prone to theft and damage during the summer and it’s likely householders are undervaluing their garden contents in the same way they do their household contents.”

The most expensive items found in the garden include

• Lawnmowers – average £141
• Sheds and Greenhouses – average £123
• Patio Furniture – average £121
• Decking – average £103
• Flowers/Plants/Shrubs – average £111

And parents said they housed over £50 worth of kids’ toys in gardens.

So whatever valuables you have in the garden, including those perhaps to support your “Good Life” such as your vegetable patch and perhaps even a hen or two for some eggs, do make sure your home insurance is at an adequate level.

Comparison sites such as Confused.com, Tesco Compare or Comparethemarket can of course help to show you what’s available at what price to help you get the best deal – remember though cheapest isn’t necessarily best, the critical point is to make sure you have the right level of cover.

If you have high value contents you may be better placed to consider buying high net worth home insurance – insurance that is constructed to better reflect the increased value of your home and valuables.