Home insurance is not just about covering your four walls and what’s inside them.
In the summer months, shed crime rises* in the UK and an online initiative in Yorkshire has recently launched which aims to promote the issue of shed security through a web-based application.
Bradford Police Officer Insp Wayne Horner said: “This time of year is frequently one when shed break-ins rise and we are keen to do all we can to help residents better protect their property and equipment.”
So what can you do to make sure your garden equipment is safe and prevent having to make a claim on your home insurance?
- Make it difficult to gain entry into your garden
There are lots of cheap ways to make it harder for thieves to get into your garden in the first place. Planting prickly trees alongside your fences is one deterrent and you can also fit a secure lock to any side gates you may have.
You can reduce the cost of your home insurance by taking steps to improve your house security but many people often neglect the fact they have valuable items stored in their gardens too.
- Check your home insurance policy carefully
Different home insurance policies will have different levels of cover for gardening equipment and items stored outdoors.
If you buy any expensive garden machinery during the duration of your policy you’ll need to remember to call your home insurance company as you might need the level of cover increased.
This could apply if for example you decide to buy a sit down lawnmower and store it in an outbuilding.
- Think about storing some items inside if you can
You can reduce the risk of theft of valuable items by storing them inside your home rather than a shed. Golf clubs are a great example of this with many sets being worth thousands of pounds.
If people see you taking golf clubs round the back of your house frequently to put them in your shed, they may decide to have a go at stealing them if they know you’ve gone out.
Other things you can try to keep thieves away from your shed and its contents are having motion sensor lighting and laying gravel around your shed so you can hear any intruders.
Remember your home insurance needs to cover everything on your property not just within your house itself.
*http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/anti_crime_video_message_goes_online_1_3502976
Author Bio:
Co-operative Insurance provides home and contents insurance with a range of optional extras for policyholders in the UK
