Do you need shed insurance>
When it comes to insuring your home, it’s all too easy to forget about your shed – but the chances are it contains valuable items. With the right insurance, secure your belongings and make sure that your contents are adequately covered.
Key Takeaways
If you store valuable items in your shed, such as tools, bikes, or office equipment, shed insurance is recommended to protect against theft and damage.
Many home insurance policies cover sheds and outbuildings, but it's crucial to check the policy details to understand the extent of the coverage.
Contents insurance is essential for protecting items in your shed. High-value items often need to be declared separately to ensure full coverage.

Do you need shed insurance?
Yes, if you have anything of monetary value in your shed then it is probably a good idea to get shed insurance. For many homeowners, a shed or outbuilding is simply a place to store the lawnmower and a few gardening tools. However, as more of us are now converting our sheds into offices, summer houses, or even yoga studios, they are becoming a target for burglars. With expensive bicycles, power tools, and office equipment often housed within, you might want to consider insuring your shed or outbuilding.
Does home insurance cover your shed?
Many home insurance policies include coverage for sheds and other outbuildings located on your property. However, the extent of this coverage can vary significantly between policies. It's essential to read the fine print to understand exactly what is covered and what isn't.
Many domestic buildings insurance policies extend cover to outbuildings (including greenhouses and summerhouses) as standard, so as long as your home insurance is up to date, you should be covered against weather damage to the fabric of the shed. Make sure that the rebuild cost of your shed, should it be destroyed, is accurate to avoid any shortfalls in your cover.
Protecting the contents of your shed
Contents insurance is where you need to pay close attention. From lawnmowers to bicycles, and work equipment to golf clubs, the value of the contents of your shed could add up to a hefty amount. Contents insurance is designed to protect the value of these items against theft, damage, fire, and flood.
However, high-value items will usually need to be declared separately due to single-item limits on your policy. Remember to include the contents of your shed or outbuilding when estimating the value of your home contents and to note high-value items.
Special provisions for expensive items
Your home insurance policy will probably have a single item limit, so if there is anything worth more than this in your shed you will need to declare it. This is relevant if you have expensive items in your shed, such as high-end bicycles or specialist tools. Additionally, for items that you use outside the property, consider adding personal belongings cover to your policy. This ensures that your valuables are protected even when they are not within the confines of your home.
Also bear in mind that any high-value items, like a bike, which are damaged or stolen when you take them off your property won’t be covered unless you’ve opted for cover away from home (sometimes called personal belongings cover).
Cover for greenhouses and summer houses
Standard home insurance policies should cover other structures such as greenhouses and summer houses. However, like with your shed, if you have expensive items within these spaces, you may need to consider additional contents insurance to ensure they are fully protected.
What isn't covered by home insurance?
It's equally important to be aware of what is not typically covered by home insurance. Cars, motorbikes, and sometimes bicycles may not be included, and outbuildings that are used for rental purposes might require a separate landlord's insurance policy.
Insuring allotment sheds
For those with sheds on an allotment away from home, it's worth noting that these are usually not covered by standard home insurance policies. While personal possessions cover may insure some items, it's generally advisable not to leave valuables in these sheds overnight.
Converting your shed for new uses
If you're planning to use your shed as an office, bedroom, or for any other non-traditional purpose, you'll need to check if your current home insurance covers business use. You may also need public liability or business insurance, especially if you employ anyone or have clients visiting your shed-turned-office. Additionally, be aware that building regulations and planning permission might be required if you're creating permanent living spaces.
Keeping your shed secure
Security is a key factor in ensuring your shed or outbuilding is insurable. Insurers may refuse claims if they deem the outbuilding was not properly secured. Recommended security measures include:
Installing secure locks
Setting up lighting systems
Using alarms
Hiding valuables from view
Security marking tools and equipment
Getting a quote
When it comes to getting a quote for your home insurance, including your shed or outbuilding, comparing options can save you money. You can avoid paying a shedload for your shed or outbuilding contents insurance when you compare home insurance with MoneySuperMarket. Simply provide a few details about your home and circumstances, and you'll receive a range of options from partner providers.
Remember, your shed or outbuilding is more than just a storage space – it's a valuable part of your property that deserves the right protection. By taking the time to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage, you can rest easy knowing that whether you're storing bikes, tools, or transforming the space into a cosy retreat, your investment is secure.