Before you add any new updates to your outdoor space ahead of summer, make sure to check what’s actually covered by your insurance policy.
Some garden features must be declared to your insurer(Image: Getty Images)
Summer is just around the corner, and you might be keen to give your garden a new lease of life before having any guests over. However, before you begin any DIY projects, be aware that certain additions could mean your home insurance becomes invalid.
Households pay a lot for insurance, so the last thing you want is for the money to go to waste if something happened. With around 70% of homes in the UK thought to be underinsured, failing to disclose garden features could increase the risk of reduced pay-outs or rejected claims.
With that in mind, Ian Wilson, home insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, has shared five seemingly harmless garden features that could affect your insurance policy. He said: “Additions like kids’ play equipment and storage units, or even quick DIY jobs, might feel like you’re making minor changes to a garden, but if they’re not declared or installed well, they could lead to complications when making a claim.
“That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to keep their insurer informed of any upgrades and ensure all work is carried out to a high standard.”
Installing garden rooms or outbuildings
Permanent structures, like outdoor offices and summer houses with heating or plumbing, must be declared to your insurer as they may not be covered if undeclared.
They can also increase the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s damaged and may raise the level of risk for fire or theft.
Adding sheds or storage structures
Sheds and storage units in the garden can affect your cover, especially if you’re storing high-value items inside. Insurers often apply strict limits and security requirements for outbuildings.
It’s important for homeowners to read their policy terms and conditions, and some may even demand that valuable items shouldn’t be visible from the window.
Planting new trees
Planting new trees, especially if they are too close to buildings, can cause issues over time with the structure of the property such as subsidence or damage to foundations.
This can affect your home insurance and may lead to claims being refused if the risk wasn’t declared or properly managed.
Poor-quality garden work
Carrying out poor-quality garden work that later causes problems can affect your insurance. This could include badly installed decking, unstable patios or poorly fitted electrical work.
If the work is considered unsafe, poorly done or not in line with regulations, it could invalidate a claim if it’s found to have contributed to the damage.
Trampolines and large play equipment
Trampolines and large outdoor play equipment, like climbing frames, increase the risk of injury, especially to children, and can create liability issues if someone is hurt on your property.
Many insurers exclude them or apply strict conditions such as safety nets, soft landing surfaces or secure anchoring for cover to remain valid.
