News in brief

Green values

Hiscox’s poll of high-net-worth individuals has revealed that 21% of homeowners have items in their garden or other outdoor space that they consider to be valuable. It is important for brokers and their clients to think about the collective value of these items and ensure that adequate protection is in place.

The new research from Hiscox found that more than half (53%) are planning landscaping work in the next six months. Almost one in ten (8%) plan to buy new outdoor furniture, 11% display sculptures or garden art, 17% have a fountain and 12% store sporting equipment in their garden.

Household customers that took part in the poll have sometimes experienced unexpected damage in their gardens. Received claims have included a 19th-century urn knocked over in a garden and a fallen tree breaking an expensive stone bench.

“It’s crucial that garden items aren’t forgotten when arranging a home insurance policy,” said Austyn Tusler, high-value home insurance expert at Hiscox. “It is important to remember that home and contents is not just items under the traditional family roof, but all assets on the property.”