Insurers warn of damage to garden furniture

5th July, 2005

In the summer months, garden parties and BBQs will lead to outdoor breakages, warns Direct Line.

New research shows that £423 million worth of damage to gardens has been reported this year so far.

The most common accident is lawn damage, experienced by 64 per cent of people, followed by trampled borders (46 per cent), while 37 per cent of claims are for broken windows or furniture.

Nearly one in ten Brits also admit that summer merry-making has caused damage to a neighbour's property.

With the average household containing £314 of moveable items, Direct Line urges homeowners to check their insurance cover for this summer.

"The obvious ‘knock-on effect’ of us enjoying more time in our gardens will be to spend more money on them, which is why Direct Line is encouraging homeowners not to overlook their gardens when evaluating their home contents for insurance purposes," said Andrew Lowe, head of home insurance at Direct Line.

Britons spend an average of nine hours a week enjoying their gardens.

 

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