Does a shed count as a garage for insurance?

confused.com - How to insure your garden, shed or garage - Confused.com

Are Barndominiums safe in a tornado?

Most barndominiums are built with a metal structure made of steel, and this is a great plus in the face of a tornado. The structure of...

Last updated Jun 21, 2022

How do I keep snakes and mice out of my shed?

How to Keep Mice Out of Your Shed Store trash, birdseed, or pet food in rodent-proof containers. Store firewood away from your shed, and keep...

Last updated Jan 11, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Many people made changes to their outdoor spaces during lockdown, increasing the value of items in their gardens and sheds.

We’ve all realised the importance of our outdoor spaces in the last few years, so how do we protect them from theft or damage?

This article contains affiliate links. If you buy any products via these links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Will my home insurance cover my shed, garage, or outbuilding?

In most cases your home insurance should cover a shed, garage, or outbuilding but you need to check your policy. Generally if it's connected to your home or in the garden it should be included. Thieves tend to target tools in outbuildings most of all since they're valuable and portable. Bicycles usually come next on the thief’s agenda. When the UK went into lockdown in 2020, many people took to converting their outdoor spaces into offices. It’s likely then that valuable work items – like computers and laptops – are being stored away from the house, making them easier for thieves to get to. Just like your home, your outbuildings might need protection with buildings and contents insurance, especially given the high cases of thefts. Structure-wise, your shed or outbuilding should be covered through your buildings insurance. This typically covers roofs, walls, floors and ceilings, to name a few. For example, if there’s a storm and a tree falls causing damage to your shed, you should be covered on your buildings insurance policy. Anything stored inside your shed should be covered by your contents insurance policy. However, you might find that your policy has an overall limit for contents in your shed, so check the details. You might also need to specifically list high-value items that exceed your policy’s single-item limit. For example, if you invested in an all-singing, all-grilling barbeque worth over £1,200, you should mention this to your insurer. You might also find that some insurers exclude musical instruments, which is important to know if an outbuilding is regularly being used for band practice You can also list laptops and bicycles worth over £150 in your home insurance quote with the option to add cover while you're away from home. Also known as personal possessions cover, this add-on is useful for those taking their tech with them to the office, or simply for those who want peace of mind their gadgets are insured while they're out and about, as well as at home.

Will the price of lumber go down in 2022?

Since the pandemic, lumber prices have skyrocketed to record highs, adding to new-home construction costs. But prices are now coming down. Lumber...

Last updated Sep 23, 2020

Should I lay plastic under my shed?

A shed without heat and air-conditioning does not need to have a moisture barrier as it will cause condensation and mold growth. If you plan to...

Last updated Sep 17, 2022

Promotion

Cover for the garden and outbuildings varies between providers, so make sure you check your policy wording, so you know exactly what’s covered.

Compare home insurance quotes Get a quote

What about my garden? Do I need separate garden insurance?

Who doesn’t love a sausage outdoors? Many Brits flocked to their local DIY shop when restrictions allowed, buying new garden furniture and barbeques. But where do these fit into your insurance policy? Anything in your garden should be covered on your contents insurance policy. You know what we’re going to say here though - make sure you check your policy wording to make sure you’re covered. However, like with your tools or your bike, anything individually worth more than your policy’s single item limit should be mentioned separately to your insurer.

Jessica Willock, home insurance expert at Confused.com comments:

“We’ve spent a lot more time in our gardens in the past few years than ever before – it’s no surprise many people spent hundreds in making it a better space to enjoy. “But in investing in more expensive items, we’re putting ourselves at a higher risk of theft. While most items should be covered under our contents insurance, this isn’t always guaranteed. Always check your policy details! “Ultimately, keeping our gardens and sheds secure will be the most effective way in protecting our valuables."

How can I keep my shed, garage or outbuildings safe?

To avoid having to claim for theft altogether, it’s worth investing in extra security. You might find that your policy doesn't pay out if you haven’t taken appropriate steps to keep items stored in your shed and outbuildings secure. Gravel can act as an audible alert if someone’s walking up your driveway, while motion-sensor lights can put off thieves. You could also try raising your fences to stop any unwanted peepers.

Can I burn pallet wood?

Pallets, lumber, and other cut and dried scrap wood are indeed good to burn (as long as you are completely sure they were not treated with any...

Last updated Oct 6, 2022

Should drill bit be smaller than anchor?

Using a drill bit that is the same size as the anchor's body is recommended. It is essential to use a drill bit large enough to drill a hole in the...

Last updated Jun 21, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

If you have a small shed, thieves might be able to lift the sides. It’s worth considering anchoring it to the ground or to a wall if you can. Once your shed is fully anchored, make sure you lock it securely using a padlock or a door bolt. Often, smaller sheds have hinges on the doors that are easy for thieves to cut through. Replacing these with nuts and bolts could make them more robust. You could even superglue the nut to the bolt to make it more secure. Once your shed is like Fort Knox, store your tools, expensive furniture or your barbeque in here to keep it safe. Be sure to add extra locks for security. If you don’t have a shed, bolt down your items to the patio or decking. Motion-detected floodlighting is also worth looking into, as thieves are less likely to continue stealing if they’re fully illuminated. Backing this up with a camera or home security system should work well to capture thieves in the act. Some can even alert you if there’s something happening in your garden that shouldn’t be. Finally, bear in mind that your house is likely to be more secure in general than any outbuilding. So, if you're using one as an office, or recreational space, consider bringing pricier but easily transportable items into the house. Confused.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission incomes by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk.

confused.com - How to insure your garden, shed or garage - Confused.com