If you were put on the spot right now, could you name everything in your garden shed? Your answer is likely ‘no’ or ‘not everything’. And who could blame you?!
But you may find yourself forced to, if the worst-case scenario happened. Unfortunately, that’s what our clients Mr and Mrs Fraser faced last year. Howden Parkstone’s Georgina Shand explains what happened, and how we were able to turn disaster into a happy resolution.
Says Georgina: “When I heard there was a fire, I called our clients immediately to help settle their nerves and offer any advice. Sadly, the garden fire meant that all their plants and grass were destroyed, as well as two summerhouses with all their tools and outdoor furniture.
“Over the course of four months, we met with Mr and Mrs Fraser in branch every fortnight, so that we could progress their claim. As they don’t use a computer, having that time in-person to compose an accurate contents list, find images and organise the documents to share with insurers was really valuable.
“Something that we were able to discover during these regular meetings was that our clients actually had cover for their damaged lawn. So we were able to ensure that the cost of replacing the grass was included, which really was the cherry on top!”
In the end, Georgina helped ensure that both summer houses were replaced, and our clients received pay-outs for their bikes, shed contents and the grass. Mr and Mrs Fraser even fed back that they didn’t think would have handled the stress without Georgina and Howden’s support.
Don’t overlook your garden cover
When it comes to your home and contents insurance, it’s crucial that you don’t forget your garden! It’s easily done, but gardens are often filled with costly items; lawnmowers and tools, BBQs, outbuildings and more.
But these things aren’t necessarily included in your home insurance policies as a default. In fact, many policies have a maximum pay out limit for theft or damage from outbuildings. Some expensive items might not be included in your policy as standard, and it can vary based on the value of the items you need to cover.
Georgina continued: “I can’t tell you how many claims I’ve seen, where there’s been a fire in an outbuilding but it’s underinsured. It’s something people don’t think about, but really need to!”
The key takeaway is to never assume that it’s included in your policy, and to always check the small print. Remember, if you’re unsure you can always reach out to an insurance broker for help.
Howden is here to help!
At Howden, we take pride in giving our clients the confidence that comes from knowing they’re getting exactly what they need – and nothing they don’t.
For your peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to speak to a broker first – whether in person or over the phone. One of the many benefits of choosing a broker like Howden is having dependable support on hand if you ever need to make a claim.
Would you like us to take a look at your home insurance? Feel free to drop by your local branch or give us a ring – we’d be happy to help make sure your home is properly protected.
You could also read:
- The older driver’s handbook
- Is your home in a new flood hotspot?
- Dashcams and driver scores – do they reduce your premium?
- Everyday accidents – a hidden epidemic?
- Is buying a caravan worth the cost?
This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.