Security tips on protecting Garden Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings
Cover Direct Home Insurance
Power tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, golf clubs, etc. are all attractive to thieves and are very expensive to replace
Garden sheds, outbuildings and garages are a popular target with burglars as valuable items are often stored in them. Power tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, golf clubs, etc., are all attractive to thieves and are very expensive to replace, be aware that high value items may need to be specified on your home insurance policy . However, we do not provide contents insurance cover for specified items on-line.
Please contact Cover Direct on 0800 093 9983 if you require Home Insurance Cover for high value items.
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Security tips for making your Garden Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings more secure
Here are a few tips and suggestions for making your garden sheds, garages and outbuildings more secure, to try and prevent a claim being made on your home insurance policy.
- Lock doors and windows:
- Shed doors are notoriously easy to break into, so strengthen the door and frame if you can. Outside door hinges should be fitted with coach bolts or non-return screws.
- Are the windows secure? Most garden shed window glass is normally only held in place by thin timber battens that are nailed into position. Consider replacing these battens with either a stronger timber section or steel then secure both types with coach bolts or non-return screws
- Does the glass need replacing? You could use perspex, polycarbonate sheets or wired glass as a more secure alternative
- Use a window lock on any windows which can be opened - a simple snaplock is ideal as it automatically locks when the window is shut. Also consider using net curtains so people cannot see inside
- Place high value portable items such as tools and electrical equipment within locked containers. Similarly, lock lawnmowers and bicycles, these items may need to be specified when arranging your home insurance policy. However, we do not provide contents insurance cover for specified items on-line. Please contact us on 0800 093 9983 if you require contents insurance cover for high value items
- Battery operated alarms may act as a deterrent. If you have a house alarm, you can have it upgraded to include your shed or garage.
Your garden should be your first line of defence against burglars. If someone can get into your back garden easily without attracting attention, it gives them more time to steal from you.
Below are some tips to improve security, and to try and prevent an insurance claim being made under your home insurance policy:
- Keep hedges and fences low at the front of the house so that an intruder has nowhere to hide - below 4ft.(1.22m)
- Gravel on paths and driveways will alert you to someone approaching either the house or garden
- Make sure that your fences and gates are in good repair
- If there is a gate at the side of your house which leads to the back garden, it should be as close to the front of the house as possible and secured by a suitable lock
- Install security lighting. Low energy dusk to dawn lighting is environmentally friendly, cheap to run and better for home security than passive infra-red activated lighting.
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