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Home is where the gnome is: ensuring the home and garden are protected

It’s probably fair to say that, for most people at least, home is where the heart is.

It’s probably fair to say that, for most people at least, home is where the heart is. And it’s through no coincidence that most people’s heart will be exactly where they invest so much of their time, money and energy.

Indeed, a house is a physical embodiment of all the blood, sweat and tears that has gone in to it over the years, and it’s not difficult to understand why people grow so attached to it. And this is also why so many people choose to protect their home against the unexpected, because, after all, ‘you just never know’.

Indeed, little persuasion is needed as to the wisdom of insuring against life’s little mishaps. Those who choose not to have home or contents insurance, risk losing everything they’ve worked for. And as for those who do choose to have home and contents insurance, well, they too still risk losing at least something if they’re not savvy when it comes to their home insurance policies.

It may surprise some to learn that all the contents within their property aren’t automatically covered by their contents insurance policy. Furthermore, it’s probably the most ‘at risk’ area of a property that is most likely to be overlooked. And that place, is in the garden.

Known as ‘contents in the open’, many policies don’t actually cover items outside the four walls of the house, and this is probably the most easily accessible place for any would-be thief. People are spending an increasingly large amount of money on their garden, due in part, perhaps, to the growing popularity of garden-makeover programmes on television. Subsequently, it’s estimated that up to £400million worth of thefts take place in gardens each year, with many people unable to claim against their home or contents insurance.

As with anything, it pays to read the small-print contained within any contents insurance or buildings insurance policy. And when establishing which parts, if any, of the garden are covered, ensure that protection is offered for walls, gates, shrubbery, patios or even the garden gnome. Furthermore, it’s worth ensuring that all the potential scenarios that are covered within the confines of the house, such as fire, water and even accidental damage, are also covered in the garden area. After all, if it can happen inside the house, it can happen outside the house too.

Most people are well aware of the latent hazards that exist in any functional house, which is why it makes so much sense to insure against those potential pitfalls. This wisdom should extend beyond the four walls too, but many people simply aren’t aware that their garden might not be covered by standard policies. So, check the small print and take action now. Because you never know what tomorrow may bring.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.