Hiscox urges homeowners to understand the value of their garden belongings
London, UK (27 June, 2011) – It seems the value of an English country garden soon adds up as new research from specialist home insurer Hiscox reveals that 21%* of homeowners have items in their outdoor space they consider valuable. As homeowners use the summer months to reinvigorate their gardens, it is important to think about the collective value of their items and ensure they have adequate protection in place.
A hidden treasure trove
The poll of high net worth individuals found that in the next six months over half (53%) are planning some landscaping and planting new shrubs and bushes and almost one in ten (8%) are planning on buying new outdoor furniture. Just over one in ten (11%) already display sculptures or garden art, 17% have a fountain and 12% store their sporting equipment in their garden.
Expect the unexpected
Hiscox customers have sometimes experienced unexpected damage to their gardens. Some examples of previous claims include a 19th century garden urn knocked over by a workman, a family member falling onto a garden sculpture when they slipped and in another instance a storm blew a tree onto George II style stone garden bench.
Austyn Tusler, high value household insurance expert at Hiscox, comments: “When thinking about insurance for the home, it’s all too easy to overlook the value of the contents in your garden. But it’s crucial that these items aren’t forgotten when arranging your home insurance policy, as favourite items – a luxury furniture set, exotic plants and sophisticated gardening equipment – can be costly to replace. Homeowners should check what level of cover their insurer offers for outdoor items to ensure it is adequate for their needs.”
Garden items such as furniture, sculptures and statues as well as exotic plants can add up to be a significant amount, in addition to expensive garden equipment, such as ride-on lawnmowers, and tools.
Austyn Tusler continues: “Many people work hard on their gardens, seeing them as additional rooms to their homes particularly in the summer months when entertaining friends or relaxing in the sun – and because of this, they are often full of valuable things. However people may not consider the value of their garden when thinking about insurance. It is important to remember that home and contents is not just the items under the traditional family roof, but all assets on the property.”
The research also reveals the measures homeowners are taking to protect their gardens with the most popular being locking items in a shed (64%), followed by outdoor lighting (55%) and having a high fence (50%).
Gardens contents calculator app
Hiscox has launched a contents calculator iPhone application which can be used to systematically go through the home and garden to record the approximate value of all possessions. The app is free to download via the App store on the iPhone (search for Hiscox), or using the Quick Response (QR) code at www.hiscox.co.uk/apps.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
| Hiscox Ltd | |||
| Johanna Boland | Group Communications | +44 (0)207448 6494 | [email protected] |
| Abi Clark | Group Communications | +44 (0)20 7448 6470 | [email protected] |
Notes to editors
* Research of 511 UK adults with net assets of £100,000+ carried out on behalf of Hiscox by YouGov fieldwork was undertaken between 11th and 16th March 2011.
Hiscox 606 home insurance is available via brokers. Garden cover includes:
- Cover of up to 5% of the total buildings amount insured to restore your garden in the event it is damaged by fire, lightning, collision or impact or theft or vandalism. This limit can be increased on request
- Cover of up to £1000 to remove or replace any single tree, shrub or plant with a £250 single item limit
- Up to 10% of the total contents amount insured for items kept in the garden furniture, sculptures and statues for each incident or loss - this can be increased on request.
Hiscox 505 Home and contents insurance is available direct via phone or online at www.hiscox.co.uk. Garden cover includes:
- Up to £1000 cover (under buildings cover) to restore your garden if it is damaged by fire, lightning, theft or vandalism or collision or impact (by vehicle or aircraft or falling lamppost, telegraph poles or pylons).
- Up to £1000 cover to remove or replace trees, shrubs or plants subject to a £250 single item limit
- Up to £5000 cover for contents in outbuildings, greenhouses and sheds
- Up to £2500 cover for contents normally left in your garden, e.g. garden furniture, statues.
About Hiscox
Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group - Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox London Market underwrites internationally traded business in the London Market - generally large or complex business which needs to be shared with other insurers or needs the international licences of Lloyd's. Hiscox UK and Hiscox Europe offer a range of specialist insurance for professionals and business customers, as well as high net worth individuals. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and USA. Hiscox Insurance Company Limited, Hiscox Underwriting Limited, Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited and Hiscox Syndicates Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
For further information, visit www.hiscox.com.
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