How to help protect and insure your shed

Key points

• Outbuildings are usually covered by buildings insurance

• An outbuilding can include a shed, summer house, garden office or green house, but it is important that you check your specific policy wording to be sure.

• Home insurance can help protect outbuildings from damage as well as  theft of items kept inside. You’ll need contents insurance to help protect the contents of a shed, although there may be limits on the value of some items. Please check your policy cover to be sure.

• You may need to follow security measures, such as using padlocks, for your items to be protected

Whether your shed is home to a few gardening tools or more valuable household items such as bikes, power washers or strimmers, the value of these items can really add up. Having the right home insurance in place can help cover them if they’re damaged or stolen.

Are garden sheds covered by home insurance?

Garden sheds are often covered by home insurance policies, along with other outbuildings on your property including summer houses and garages.

This cover isn’t always included though, and the amount of cover for sheds can vary depending on the insurance policy you have.

The structure of the shed is usually included with buildings home insurance, which protects it against damage from things like fire or flood.

How to keep your shed safe 

You’ll need to make sure your shed, or other outbuilding, is secure for it to be protected by your home insurance. Your policy may specifically say it needs to be locked, for example. 

There are lots of other ways you can keep your shed, and its contents, safe, including:

• Use a heavy-duty padlock 

• Keep windows locked

• Maintain your shed so it’s not easy to be broken into

• Store very expensive items in your home 

• Place valuables out of sight, or cover so they can’t be easily seen or identified

• Consider fitting an alarm or security camera

• Make a list of the items in your shed, and if they are valuable keep a copy of your receipts

• Ensure that the roofing material is regularly inspected and replaced as necessary to prevent water damage to the shed contents

What to do if your shed is burgled

If your shed or outbuilding is burgled, there may be damage to the structure and your items may have been stolen.

Every insurance policy will have its own processes to follow, but usually you should first contact the police to report the burglary. You’ll also need to contact your home insurer and they’ll let you know the next steps to follow.

Keep records of everything you can, such as the time and date of the burglary and if you’ve seen anything suspicious. If there are any witnesses, such as neighbours, take down their details too as your insurer and the policy may want to speak to them.

How can I get a home insurance quote with John Lewis Money?

You can get a quote for home insurance with John Lewis Money to cover your home and your belongings.

Not only are our Gold, Silver and Specialist home insurance policies five-star rated by Defaqto, but our different levels of cover can be tailored to suit your property.

Plus, our Specialist Home Insurance, brought to you by Covea Insurance, is specifically designed for high-value contents & homes, or unique homes.

This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice.