Recent information published by Lloyds shows that the average claim for theft from gardens is £730. When you think about it it’s not surprising. Think about the luxury garden furniture, barbecues, the patio heaters, lawn mowers and hand and power tools etc you keep outside or in your shed.

Mainstream home and contents policies usually include garden contents but with limitations. These vary widely from a few hundred pounds to several thousand depending on the insurance company. And usually there is also a limit on the maximum value of any one item.

So now’s a good time to tot up what your “garden contents” are worth. Then read the small print on your policy. If you have something which is especially valuable like a sit on mower, then it’s as well to speak to your insurer. They may want it to be specified and they will certainly want it to be locked up.

Some insurers will increase their cover for “garden contents” for a modest premium so it’s well worth speaking to them before you switch to another insurer.