Understanding contents in the open

As the great British summertime is once again upon us, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves drawn outdoors.

Our gardens naturally become extensions of our living spaces, filled with furniture, barbecues, toys, and more. But have you ever considered how these outdoor belongings are protected?

In UK insurance terms, these items are known as “contents in the open” – personal belongings outside your home but within your property boundaries.

While we enjoy longer days and warmer weather, this season also brings increased risks of theft, damage, and loss to our outdoor possessions. This article explores why protecting your “contents in the open” is crucial for UK homeowners and how to ensure adequate coverage.

Summer Fun and Increased Risks

Summertime means more outdoor activity. Families host barbecues, children play in temporary pools, and adults relax on garden furniture. Valuable items like laptops and phones are often left in view, attracting opportunistic thieves. Garden furniture, plant pots, and even garden cabins face heightened risk, necessitating robust insurance coverage.

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage

Home insurance usually includes buildings and contents insurance. Buildings insurance covers your home’s structure, while contents insurance protects personal belongings from theft, fire, and water damage.

Typically, this coverage often extends to items within your property boundaries, but it’s crucial to verify your exact coverage to avoid unexpected gaps in protection.

Standard vs. Non-Standard Home Insurance

Standard policies provide basic coverage for common risks but may not fully protect outdoor items, especially high-value ones or those at increased risk of theft.

In contrast, non-standard insurance offers extended coverage for items typically excluded from standard policies, such as expensive garden furniture, tools in sheds, or temporary pools.

Coverage for Outdoor Items

When reviewing your policy, check coverage for:

Garden Furniture

• Check coverage limits for sets and individual pieces
• Ensure protection against theft, vandalism, and weather damage
• Look for “new for old” replacement options

Plant Pots and Ornaments

• Confirm if there’s a per-item value limit
• Ask about coverage for damage caused by severe weather

Barbecues and Outdoor Cooking Equipment

• Ensure both fixed and portable barbecues are covered
• Check if gas bottles and fuel are included in the policy
• Look for accidental damage coverage

Garden Cabins and Summer Houses

• Verify if the structure and its contents are covered separately
• Check for any security requirements to validate the insurance
• Ask about coverage for items used for home working

Storage Outbuildings (Sheds and Garages)

• Look for specific coverage for high-value items like power tools and bicycles
• Check if there are any limits on the total value of items stored
• Ensure the policy covers forced entry

Trampolines and Play Equipment

• Check if these are covered for both damage and liability
• Look for weather-related damage coverage

Landscaping and Gardens

• Ask about coverage for damaged trees, shrubs, and lawns

Don’t forget to check policy excess amounts for outdoor items, as these may differ from your standard contents insurance excess.

Outbuilding Classification and Risks

An outbuilding is a separate structure on your property that isn’t part of the main house. Common examples include sheds, greenhouses, summerhouses, and garages. These structures are typically used for domestic purposes or simple office work.
However, certain structures are excluded from this definition:

• Buildings without a permanent foundation or base.
• Tree houses, caravans, mobile homes, or motor homes.
• Structures made of canvas, PVC, or other non-rigid materials.
• Buildings used for commercial purposes, including any form of rental.

Risks to Outbuildings and Their Contents

Outbuildings must be properly secured to ensure the safety of the contents inside. This means having robust locks, secure windows, and other necessary measures to prevent unauthorised access.

Sheds and garden cabins are particularly vulnerable to break-ins, so consider additional security measures like alarms and lighting.

High-value items such as bikes and expensive tools should be listed separately in your policy if their worth exceeds standard coverage limits.

In summary, outbuildings are additional structures on your property meant for non-commercial use. They must have a solid, permanent foundation and need to be properly secured to be covered.

Securing Your Outdoor Space

While understanding insurance coverage is vital, taking proactive steps to protect your belongings is equally important.

Let’s explore specific risks and preventative measures, focusing on outbuildings and commonly overlooked items. Consider creating a photographic inventory of your outdoor items to aid in potential future claims.

Electronic Devices in the Garden

While usually covered under home contents insurance, ensure devices used outdoors are stored securely when not in use to deter theft.

Temporary Swimming Pools and Water Damage

Popular in summer, temporary pools pose significant risks. Malicious damage or accidents involving these pools can cause substantial water damage to your property.

It’s crucial to note that our insurance policies, like many others, do not cover damage from swimming pools, spas, or jacuzzis. This includes temporary or inflatable pools.
Given these exclusions, it’s essential to:

• Carefully consider the risks before installing any type of pool
• Take extra precautions to prevent accidents or damage
• Be aware that any resulting damage will likely not be covered by your policy

Popular in summer, temporary pools pose significant risks. Malicious damage can cause substantial water damage to your property. Many insurance policies don’t cover this, so consider non-standard insurance for comprehensive protection.

Conclusion

As you enjoy the British summer, ensure your outdoor belongings are protected with appropriate insurance.

Understanding standard and non-standard policies helps you choose the best coverage for your needs. Remember, standard policies often have limitations on outdoor items.

Consider additional or non-standard coverage for high-value possessions. Always inform your insurer about significant purchases or changes to your outdoor space to maintain full protection.

By securing your items and investing in comprehensive insurance, you can enjoy summer without worry. Review your current policy, compare options, and ensure the best protection for your summer sanctuary. Stay safe and make the most of those precious sunny days ahead!