Home Insurance
Home Insurance
Owners urged not to overlook gardens
Fri, 02 Jun 2006
A new survey has revealed that Brits are a nation of green-fingered gardeners, lavishing time and money on their outdoor space, but frequently forgetting to insure it.
Recent research from insurer MORE THAN revealed that Brits spent some £2.5 million on patio heaters, barbecues and numerous other items for their back gardens last year, with one million people having spent in excess of £1,000 on their garden, the majority of which have done so in the last two years.
As a result, British gardens are now worth a staggering £52 billion when the cost of plants, furniture and cooking items are included.
However, thieves have been quick to catch on to the increasing value of British gardens. Indeed there have been 1.1 million thefts from around the home that were not related to the house or car.
MORE THAN's research showed that some 26 per cent of British residents with private gardens have experienced garden theft or attempted theft in the last two years, with garden tools and plants being the most popular items to steal.
Nevertheless, a cavalier 23 per cent of people do not have any form of security to prevent theft from their garden - while many more have not added their gardens contents to their home insurance policy, setting themselves up for a potentially expensive bill for replacement.
Craig Allen, head of home insurance at MORE THAN, said: "In the last few years we have seen a rise in popularity of garden furniture such as patio heaters and hot tubs, and it seems more and more people are taking pride in their outdoor space.
"Unfortunately, expensive plants and landscaped gardens prove to be a prime target for thieves. As well as good insurance for plants and external contents, we also recommend simple security measures such as security lighting, a wall or fence around the garden, and locking away all equipment to deter thieves from helping themselves to expensive garden goods."
© Adfero LtdRelated Articles
Breakdown cover
FOR ONLY £50!
 |
Comprehensive breakdown cover for your vehicle at very competitive rates... |
- MY EXPRESS
- Making a claim
- Change your details
- Customer services
