Planting a tree might seem like one of the most harmless garden upgrades you can make, but experts warn it could affect your home insurance if you fail to tell your provider.
While homeowners often remember to declare major renovations, smaller outdoor changes are much easier to overlook – and some could lead to reduced payouts or even rejected claims.
‘When the weather improves and households spend more time outdoors, this is a great time to carry out upgrades or improvements in the garden,’ says Ian Wilson, home insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk. ‘That’s why it’s so important for homeowners to keep their insurer informed of any upgrades and ensure all work is carried out to a high standard.’
Below, we reveal the garden features that could affect your home insurance – and the steps you can take to protect your property.
1. Planting new trees
Planting a tree is often seen as a simple way to improve a garden, but choosing the wrong location could be problematic in the future.
‘Planting new trees – especially if they are too close to buildings – can cause issues over time with the structure of the property, such as subsidence or damage to foundations,’ Ian explains. ‘This can affect your home insurance and may lead to claims being refused if the risk was not declared or properly managed.’
Before planting, consider how large the tree will eventually become and how close its roots could grow to your home or other structures. For example, fruit trees like figs won’t grow as big as oak trees.
2. Trampolines and large play equipment
Outdoor play equipment such as slides, climbing frames, and swings are all excellent for keeping little and big ones alike entertained, but it can also increase liability risks.
‘Trampolines and large outdoor play equipment increase the risk of injury – especially to children – and can create liability issues if someone is hurt on your property,’ says Ian. ‘Many insurers exclude them or apply strict conditions such as safety nets, soft landing surfaces or secure anchoring for cover to remain valid.’
Before installing these features, check whether your insurer has any specific requirements to ensure your cover remains in place. If they do, many soft landing surfaces come in interlocking tiles, making it easy to customise for your space.
3. Filling sheds or storage structures
While a simple shed might seem unlikely to affect your insurance, what you store inside can actually make a real difference.
‘Sheds and storage units in the garden can affect your cover, especially if you’re storing high-value items inside,’ Ian tells us. ‘Insurers often apply strict limits and security requirements for outbuildings – some may even stipulate that valuable items shouldn’t be visible from the window.’
Reviewing your policy and improving security measures, such as adding cameras outdoors or hiding valuable tools and furniture, could help avoid problems if you ever need to make a claim.
4. Poor-quality or non-compliant garden work
We love a good DIY project – especially when it's saving us money – but poor workmanship could prove costly if it later causes damage.
‘This could include badly installed decking, unstable patios or poorly fitted electrical work,’ Ian says. ‘If the work is considered unsafe, poorly done or not in line with regulations, it may invalidate a claim if it is found to have contributed to the damage.’
Using qualified professionals and ensuring work complies with relevant standards can help protect both your property and your insurance cover. To find the right people, search your council’s website for approved traders or look via Trustmark, which is the government’s trader scheme
5. Installing garden rooms or outbuildings
Providing separate places to work and relax, garden offices, summer houses, and outdoor saunas have become increasingly popular. However, permanent structures may need to be declared to your insurer.
‘Permanent structures like outdoor offices and summer houses with heating or plumbing must be declared to your insurer, as they may not be covered if undeclared,’ Ian warns. ‘They can also increase the cost of rebuilding your home if it’s damaged and may raise the level of risk for fire or theft.’
If you're investing in an outbuilding, be sure to thoroughly check your policy before construction begins to ensure you're properly covered.
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