Home Insurance: Make Sure Your Garden Is Secure

With the clocks going forward this weekend to British Summer Time, it’s time for many to get back into the garden so make sure your garden contents are secure and covered by your home insurance.

According to M&S Home Insurance nearly 20% of people who have a garden know someone who has had garden contents stolen, including plants, bushes, trees and shrubs.

It’s not just the garden though. With the average shed containing close to £900 worth of poperty, they’re a prime target for thieves. Worryingly the thieves are given a helping hand by many as almost a quarter of shed owners don’t secure their shed, even just by locking the door.

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: “Many householders invest a great amount of time and money in their gardens. It’s therefore surprising that so many people fail to take simple security steps to deter thieves and vandals.

Before you get back into the garden this spring think about how a thief might get into your garden and take steps to reduce the risk. It’s also wise to check that your home insurance policy covers property in your garden and shed. Remember that even if you do have insurance, unless you secure your shed, any claim may be invalid.”

Take some steps to protect your garden and shed property. As well as reducing the risk of items being stolen, unless you do secure such as your shed, even if the contents are covered by a home insurance policy, the cover could be invalidated.

Wherever you can make sure that sheds and outbuildings have good locks and if you can fit security lights to the side of the house. Also don’t tempt burglars by leaving keys to garden buildings on show or within easy access.