Hoem insurance: Gardens left unprotected in spring
Spring garden cover warning
Friday, 14 Mar 2008 10:50
Brits are being urged to ensure their gardens are fully insured as the spring brings out gardeners and expensive garden equipment.
Some 35 per cent of people polled by Nationwide valued their contents of their gardens at between £250 and £1,000.
The recent storms that battered the UK show the threat garden contents are under, while the reduced security – with expensive equipment such as tools and mowers only protected by padlocks in the shed - also puts possessions at risk from thieves.
Nationwide’s insurance director, Robin Bailey, said: "Spring is in the air and, if the rain holds off, some of us may be planning to spend time in the garden this Bank Holiday weekend.
"Items such as lawnmowers and garden furniture will be dusted off and may be left out in the open for long periods of time, resulting in easy pickings for opportunistic thieves and vandals.
"It is really important that these items are adequately insured against acts of theft or vandalism."
Nationwide has now issued some tips to help people protect their garden property.
- Photograph expensive items such as garden furniture, potted plants, or ornaments so they can be identified if stolen.
- Invest in ground anchors to secure furniture and ornaments – both protecting them from wind and opportunist thieves.
- Make sure bikes, lawnmowers and tools are kept in a locked shed with strong locks.
- Cover shed windows with curtains or blinds.