Does my home insurance policy cover my shed or garage?
Most standard home insurance policies in the UK include cover for outbuildings such as sheds, garages, and even lock-ups. These are often listed under the “other structures” section and typically provide protection against risks like fire, theft, and storm damage.
However, cover limits can vary. It's important to check whether your policy protects both the structure and the contents of these outbuildings. While the building itself may be insured, items inside, such as tools, bikes, or gym equipment, may need to be listed under contents insurance, especially if they’re high in value.
If your garage is being used as a home office, insurance may be affected by working-from-home policies outlined in your home insurance.
Considering garage contents insurance
The contents of your garage or shed can add up quickly. Things like lawnmowers and bikes can easily be worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Standard contents insurance may offer cover for these, but watch for restrictions on:
- The total amount you can claim for items stored outside your main home.
- The maximum payout per item.
- Any exclusions based on item type or usage, such as business equipment.
The following can help you ensure you have enough cover in place:
- Make a list of all valuable items in your garage, shed, or lock-up.
- Check your policy’s limits and terms.
- Consider garage contents insurance add-ons or specify high-value items individually.
Is my garage roof covered by insurance?
Yes, the structure of your garage, including the roof, is generally covered under your building's insurance. This usually protects against damage from storms, falling trees, or fire.
However, claims may be denied if the damage results from:
- General wear and tear
- Poor maintenance or neglect
Regular checks and timely repairs can help reduce the risk of a claim being rejected or your home insurance being invalidated.
What won’t be covered?
Here are some typical exclusions for shed insurance or garage insurance in the UK:
- Unforced entry: If there’s no sign of forced entry, theft claims may be denied.
- Business use: Items used for business purposes may not be included under standard home insurance.
- High-value items: Expensive tools, bicycles, or equipment may exceed cover limits unless specifically listed.
- Poor maintenance: Damage caused by neglect or failure to maintain the outbuilding may be excluded.
It’s also worth noting that many insurers exclude cover for accidental damage unless it's been added as an optional extra.
Review your policy documents in detail or contact your insurer to understand your specific level of cover.
How can I make garage or shed insurance cheaper?
While it's important to have the right cover, there are ways you can reduce how much you pay. Here’s how:
- Enhance security: Install strong locks, window bars, alarms, and motion-sensor lighting to deter thieves.
- Maintain your outbuildings: Keeping your shed or garage in good condition can help prevent damage-related claims.
- Bundle your policies: Combining buildings and contents insurance may lead to discounts.
- Increase your excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess often reduces your premium.
- Shop around: It’s worth using comparison sites like us to find competitive rates, rather than just accepting your renewal price.
Adding optional cover such as accidental damage insurance can offer more protection, though this may increase premiums slightly.
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FAQs
Does garage and shed insurance cover lock-ups?
Yes, garage and shed insurance can cover lock-ups if they are on your property and used for personal reasons. If they’re used for business or rented out, you may need extra cover or a specialist lock-up garage insurance policy.
How do I make my garage, shed or lock-up more secure?
To make your garage, shed, or lock-up more secure, use strong locks, reinforce doors and windows, add alarms, and install motion-sensor lights. Storing valuable items in locked cabinets or chaining them down can also help deter thieves.
Do I need to declare the contents of my garage, shed or lock-up?
Yes, you should declare any high-value items kept in your garage or shed when purchasing home insurance. This ensures they're fully covered and helps prevent disputes if you need to make a claim.
What insurance do I need for a garage?
For full protection, you'll need buildings insurance to cover the structure and contents insurance for what’s stored inside. If the garage is used for work purposes, you may also need business insurance – always check your policy terms.
