Summer is fast approaching, and many homeowners are eager to spruce up their gardens ahead of entertaining guests. However, before embarking on any DIY projects, it is worth knowing that certain additions could potentially invalidate your home insurance. Households fork out considerable sums for insurance, so the last thing anyone wants is to find their money wasted when it matters most.
With approximately 70% of homes in the UK believed to be underinsured, failing to declare garden features could heighten the risk of reduced pay-outs or rejected claims. With this in mind, Ian Wilson, home insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk, has outlined five seemingly innocuous garden features that could have an impact on your insurance policy.
Installing Garden Rooms or Outbuildings
Permanent structures, such as outdoor offices and summer houses fitted with heating or plumbing, must be disclosed to your insurer as they may not be covered if left undeclared. Such structures can also push up the cost of rebuilding your home should it sustain damage, and may heighten the risk of fire or theft.
Adding Sheds or Storage Structures
Sheds and storage units in the garden can have an impact on your cover, particularly if you are keeping high-value items inside. Insurers frequently impose strict limits and security requirements for outbuildings. It is essential that homeowners thoroughly read their policy terms and conditions, as some insurers may even stipulate that valuable items must not be visible from the window.
Planting New Trees
Planting new trees, particularly those positioned too close to buildings, can cause long-term structural problems such as subsidence or damage to foundations. This can have a direct impact on your home insurance and may result in claims being rejected if the risk was not declared or adequately managed.
Poor-Quality Garden Work
Undertaking poor-quality garden work that subsequently causes problems can jeopardise your insurance. This could encompass badly installed decking, unstable patios or poorly fitted electrical work. Should the work be deemed unsafe, substandard or not compliant with regulations, it could invalidate a claim if it is found to have contributed to the damage.
Trampolines and Large Play Equipment
Trampolines and sizeable outdoor play equipment, such as climbing frames, heighten the risk of injury, particularly to children, and can create liability complications should someone sustain an injury on your property. Many insurers exclude such items or impose strict conditions — including safety nets, soft landing surfaces or secure anchoring — for cover to remain valid.
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."
