Is your garden protected?
According to moneysupermarket.com many of us will be taking advantage of our gardens as we get into this year’s summer. They say that we should ensure our gardens are well insured when planning outside garden parties. It is reported that most home insurance policies include garden cover, however protection levels are said to vary.
Moneysupermarket.com have ten top tips for keeping gardens and valuables safe. Among these, it is advised that the small print on policies is read to ensure that gardens are completely insured. All entrances and surrounding fences should be well kept and gates should be locked and bolted. It is recommended that sheds should have good locks and expensive tools and items should not be left lying around in gardens. Such items should be locked away at night. Insurance policy holders should make sure that their buildings insurance policy covers them for damage to walls, gates and fences as this is not always covered as standard under insurance policies. It is further advised that security lights should be installed in order to deter any would be thieves. Receipts for anything purchased for the garden should be retained in case of future claims and it is also recommended that any single expensive items such as lawn mowers are declared. This is because they may come above the single item limit on home insurance policies.
Julie Owens, head of home insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: “With more Brits choosing to stay at home this summer, we are all falling back in love with our gardens. But regardless of whether your patch is big or small, for Brits forking out for the latest garden furniture, high-tech gas barbecues and patio heaters, the costs can easily run into the thousands3. It’s therefore essential homeowners consider the cost implications of theft or damage to garden items.
“When looking at garden insurance, it is important to consider the value of your garden and the levels of cover required. Landscaped gardens and costly furniture items are easy targets for thieves, as are elaborate statues and expensive plants. A thief will seize anything of value, so it’s important to take necessary precautions to protect your garden, and read the small print to determine exactly what is covered. It is also vital to consider the expensive items and equipment kept in sheds, out-houses and other storage areas. These can still fall victim to garden crime, so it is essential to keep outbuildings locked and, where possible, not to showcase what you own.”
Homeowners who would like to make some vital home improvements to enhance security, who are also looking for finance to cover costs, could consider a home improvement loan. As well as replacing old rickety garden fences with newer stronger versions, homeowners could consider changing their doors and windows with UPVC replacements, thus improving overall security in the home. At the same time, improvements within the home such as refitting kitchens or bathrooms might be considered. Home improvement loans are one of many options to cover the cost of maintenance and DIY around the home.
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