Insurance for Thatched Properties and their Gardens

Insurance companies often consider negligence in garden maintenance when assessing claims. A poorly kept garden could result in coverage complications or even difficulties should you need to make a claim. Making your garden look beautiful by planting thick shrubs along your property’s boundaries can also add an extra layer of security to your home.

Keeping your garden tidy can have several benefits for your home insurance, including the following:

Reduced Risk of Claims

A tidy garden reduces potential hazards, such as overgrown trees or bushes that could damage property during storms. It also minimizes the risk of accidents (e.g., tripping over debris), which could lead to liability claims. This reduced risk could make you a lower-risk customer for insurers, potentially leading to better terms or lower premiums.

Improved Security

A well-maintained garden can deter burglars by eliminating hiding places and ensuring that security features like cameras and lights are unobstructed. Improved security lowers the likelihood of theft or vandalism, which can impact your insurance premiums and claims history.

Compliance with Insurance Requirements

Some insurance policies include clauses about property maintenance, including gardens. Failure to keep your garden tidy could be seen as negligence, potentially leading to rejected claims if damage or loss is related to poor upkeep. Keeping your garden in good order ensures compliance with your policy terms, safeguarding your coverage.

Top Tips for Tending Thatched Home Gardens

Plant and Prune

Planting a combination of thorny and evergreen plants such as holly, bramble, and climbing roses in April, and laurel and yew before March, can add an extra layer of protection to your fences and walls. Prune any overhanging or rotting branches, especially those close to your property. Spring can still bring windy weather which can result in branches falling and damaging your home.

Storage and Security

Keeping your garden tidy can help mitigate the risk of damage to your property, for example, broken windows or patio doors. Storms and strong winds can take hold of garden furniture, unanchored flowerpots, bird baths, ornamental features such as statues, and gardening tools. Make sure moveable objects are stored away in sheds, garages, or outbuildings.

• Keep your shed secure; put an alarm in your shed, garage, or outbuilding. You can buy battery-operated alarms that can be easy to install and can alert you to any intruders.
• Security lights can be an effective way of deterring burglars and illuminate dark areas in your garden at night.
• Consider creating gravel paths and driveways, as the noise of footsteps on loose shingle or gravel can be easily heard compared to wood chipping, concrete or stone.

Storing BBQs and gas canisters correctly and safely can reduce the risks of fires and explosions. If your insurer determines they haven’t been stored correctly, you could run the risk of a rejected claim.

• Keep BBQs and gas canisters in a ventilated area well away from buildings, sunlight, and heat sources.
• Always store and carry them in the upright position.
• Store them away from flammable materials and corrosive substances, and don’t store them inside buildings of any type.
• Regularly inspect canisters for leaks and damage and check the expiration dates.

Storing wood correctly

Storing wood safely in outside areas is important for several reasons:

Fire Safety – Wood is highly flammable. Storing wood away from buildings and vegetation which can become tinder dry in the summer, can reduce the risk of accidental fires.

Pest Control – Storing wood directly on the ground or in contact with structures can attract pests like termites, ants, or rodents. Elevating wood off the ground and keeping it organized helps prevent infestations.

Accessibility – Properly stacked wood is easier to access when needed. It can also help prevent tripping over pieces of wood, lowering the risk of falls and accidents.

A well-kept garden reduces the risk of accidents and damage, thereby potentially lowering the likelihood of insurance claims and possible premium increases.

If you’d like to discuss your policy with our team, or looking for a new quote, get in touch today.

Alternatively, email us at:

heritageclientsupport@lloydwhyte.com

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Lloyd & Whyte Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No. 03686765.  Registered Office: Affinity House, Bindon Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6AA.  Calls may be recorded for use in quality management, training and customer support.