Garden contents need to be insured against theft
Published On 3 April 2008
Homeowners who have a garden should make sure that the contents of their outside spaces are insured, especially as the weather is becoming warmer.New research from Halifax Home Insurance has indicated that thieves are more likely to prey on gardens during the summer months, with the risk of theft 52 per cent higher than in the winter.
The findings revealed that Sheffield is the area of the UK most prone to garden theft, followed by Slough, Sunderland and Guilford.
Commenting on the findings, David Rochester, head of underwriting for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "Items thieves typically look for include patio furniture, bicycles, garden ornaments and barbecues, so it is important to keep these items secured or locked away when not in use, and ensure your home insurance policy includes cover for garden theft."
As such, Halifax has urged people with a garden to make sure that they insure anything that is kept outdoors which is either expensive or desirable, while also insuring the contents of garages and sheds.
The average insurance claim has increased by more than a quarter since 2003, from £305 to £387, the firm noted.
