What is shed insurance?

Key takeaways

• Shed insurance is usually included within a home insurance policy, not sold separately

• Buildings insurance may cover the structure of sheds, summer houses and other outbuildings

• Contents insurance may cover items stored inside, but limits often apply and high-value items may need separate cover

Do I need shed insurance?

If you keep anything valuable in your shed, it’s worth making sure it’s covered.

Shed insurance isn’t typically sold as a standalone product - it’s usually included within your home insurance. Buildings insurance may cover damage to the structure of your shed or outbuildings, while contents insurance may cover what’s stored inside.

However, not all home insurance policies include outbuildings or garden cover as standard. If you want protection for your shed, you should check if a home insurance policy covers them before purchasing.

Insurers also often apply lower limits to outbuilding contents, because outbuildings are less secure and more exposed to weather damage, which can make them riskier to insure. That means some shed items, such as bicycles or electronics, may need separate high-value cover.

Does home insurance cover my shed?

Yes, many home insurance policies include some protection for sheds, garages and other outbuildings within your property boundary. However, the level of cover varies widely between insurers.

Buildings insurance usually protects the physical structure of your shed – for example, against fire, damage or vandalism – as long as it’s secured and wll-maintained.

💡 Top tip: To avoid being underinsured, make sure the rebuild cost you declare on your buildings insurance includes any sheds, greenhouses, or summer houses.

Are greenhouses and summer houses covered by home insurance?

Most standard home insurance policies cover permanent garden structures such as greenhouses, summer houses and garden rooms. Cover typically applies only to fixed structures, not temporary ones like pop-up gazebos.

If you’ve filled these spaces with valuable furniture, heaters or electronics, check if your contents insurance covers them. You may need to declare high-value items separately.

Are the contents of my shed covered by home insurance?

Your contents insurance may cover items kept in your shed against loss or damage from events like theft, fire, and flood. Contents insurance will not usually cover accidental damage unless you have upgraded your policy to include this protection.

However, most policies have single-item limits, which means anything above a set value must be declared separately. When estimating the total value of your contents, include what’s stored in your shed or outbuilding, and list any high-value items individually.

🚩 Some insurers include flood or storm damage to sheds, but others exclude it, so check your policy wording carefully.

Does home contents insurance cover bikes, tools, and other valuable outdoor items?

Most home insurance policies have cover limits, which are the maximum amounts the insurer will pay out for a claim. These limits are usually both for a maximum total amount that can be claimed (e.g. £30,000) and a maximum that can be claimed for any single item (e.g. £2,000).

If the items in your shed are individually or collectively worth more than your insurance limit, you may need to take out extra cover to fully protect them. This is likely to be the case for items like high-end bicycles or power tools.

You can usually declare these individual items to your insurer and pay a higher premium to cover them. Another option is to take out specialist cover for specific items. For example, you can take out bicycle insurance (and electric bike insurance).

💡 Top tip: If you ever take expensive shed items away from home you might want to add personal belongings cover (sometimes called “cover away from home”) to your home insurance. Otherwise, your valuables are only protected while they're on your property.

Which outdoor items aren't covered by home insurance?

Not everything kept outside is covered by standard home insurance.

• Cars and motorbikes are excluded – they need their own motor insurance

• Bicycles may be covered only if specifically listed as a named item

• Rental or business-use outbuildings may need a landlord insurance or business insurance policy

• Wear and tear, damage by vermin and damp damage are almost always excluded

Can I insure a converted shed or garden office?

If you’ve converted your shed into a home office, studio, or extra living space, speak to your insurer. Using a shed for business or residential purposes can affect your home insurance because it changes how the space is used and the risks involved.

You may need:

• Business insurance or public liability cover, if clients visit or staff work there

• Planning permission or compliance with building regulations, if it’s used as a permanent living area

Failing to tell your insurer about changes to your shed’s use could invalidate your home insurance policy.

Can I get insurance for a shed on an allotment?

Sheds located away from your home, such as on an allotment, usually aren’t covered by standard home insurance. Some personal belongings policies may protect items kept there, but cover is limited.

If you keep valuable gardening tools or equipment on your allotment, you might want to look for specialist allotment insurance that protects against theft, fire, and vandalism.

How do I keep my shed secure?

Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to secure your shed. Claims may be refused if there’s no sign of forced entry.

Here are some recommended security measures:

• Fit a strong padlock or five-lever mortice lock

• Install motion-sensor lighting or CCTV near the shed

• Use a shed alarm or link it to your home security system

• Keep valuables out of sight from windows

• Mark or register tools and bikes with a property marking scheme such as Immobilise

Regular maintenance also matters – fixing loose panels, doors or hinges can help prevent break-ins and weather damage.

How can I find affordable shed insurance?

When you compare home insurance quotes, make sure your shed or outbuilding is included. Comparing policies through MoneySuperMarket can help you find the right level of cover for your needs and budget.

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest policy, the best option is one that balances value and protection. Check the excess, exclusions, and any single-item limits before you buy.