How to Insure Your Garden Equipment Against Theft and Damage: Tips and Options
- Jamie Reid - Credit, Loans & Everyday Money Writer
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: May 13
Gardening tools and equipment can be surprisingly expensive — and increasingly attractive to thieves. From ride-on mowers to high-powered strimmers and hedge trimmers, garden gear can easily total hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Whether you’re a weekend gardener or a landscaping enthusiast, protecting your investment should be part of your home security and insurance planning. In this guide, we’ll explain how to insure your garden equipment against theft and damage, which policies apply, what’s typically covered, and how to reduce your risk and premiums.
Why You Need to Protect Garden Equipment
Many people overlook the value of what’s stored in their garden sheds, garages, or greenhouses. But when you add up the cost of:
Lawnmowers
Strimmers
Power tools
Garden furniture
BBQs
Bicycles
Outdoor heaters
Greenhouse kits or raised beds
…it’s easy to see how losses can quickly add up after a burglary, fire, or storm.
What’s more, insurance claims for shed thefts in the UK often spike in spring and summer when tools are most visible and sheds are more frequently used.
Does Home Insurance Cover Garden Tools?
Yes — in most cases, your home contents insurance will cover garden equipment. But there are key conditions and limits to be aware of:
Covered:
Theft from a locked shed, garage or outbuilding
Fire or storm damage
Vandalism
Theft of items left in the garden (if specifically listed)
Not Covered:
Theft from an unlocked shed or garage
Items left out overnight
Business or commercial gardening tools
Wear and tear or mechanical failure
Items exceeding the single-item value limit (unless declared)
Check your policy for “outbuildings contents” cover and any limits on individual item values.
How to Make Sure You're Fully Covered
1. Check the ‘Outbuildings Limit’
Most policies cap the amount you can claim for items stored in outbuildings. Common limits range from £1,000 to £5,000 — so if your ride-on mower alone is worth £2,000, you may need additional cover.
2. Specify High-Value Items
If any single item exceeds your insurer’s “single article limit” (typically £1,500 or £2,000), you must declare it separately — otherwise you may only be compensated up to the limit.
3. Keep Receipts and Serial Numbers
Proof of ownership is crucial if you need to make a claim. Photograph your tools, note serial numbers, and keep digital or printed receipts in a safe place.
4. Consider ‘Garden Cover’ Add-Ons
Some insurers offer optional extras or dedicated garden cover. This often increases protection for:
Plants and landscaping
Tools and equipment
Garden furniture
BBQs and accessories
Theft from the garden (not just sheds)
If you host garden parties or own luxury furniture or BBQ setups, this could be worth adding.
Can You Get Standalone Garden Tool Insurance?
Standalone insurance for garden tools is rare, but some specialist home insurance providers may offer tool-specific add-ons or policies for:
Hobbyist gardeners with high-end gear
Allotment users
Semi-professional landscapers
Garden clubs or shared shed spaces
Alternatively, self-employed gardeners should look at business tool insurance as part of their public liability cover.
What About Garden Equipment Used for Work?
If you use your tools for business — such as a landscaping or maintenance business — they are not covered by standard home insurance. You will need:
Business tool insurance
Van contents insurance (if tools are stored in a work vehicle)
Public liability insurance (in case someone is injured by your equipment)
Trying to claim under a residential policy for business losses could invalidate your entire cover.
What Counts as Garden Equipment?
Most insurers include the following in their definition of garden equipment:
Lawnmowers and trimmers
Hedge cutters and chainsaws
Garden vacuums and blowers
Planting tools (e.g. spades, forks, shears)
Wheelbarrows and ladders
Power washers
Compost bins
Furniture, parasols, heaters
BBQs and smokers
Electric garden tools and charging docks
Be sure to list anything that’s high-value or electrical.
Unique Tip: Use Smart Tags for Your Tools
Bluetooth or GPS-enabled smart tags can be hidden in your high-value tools. These allow you to track stolen items, provide evidence to police, and even assist in insurance claims. It’s a small investment for high-value peace of mind.
How to Prevent Theft and Damage
Insurance can’t replace sentimental value or avoid the inconvenience of losing tools. Here are steps to prevent theft and protect your gear:
For Sheds and Garages:
Fit sturdy padlocks and reinforced hasps
Use motion-sensor lights nearby
Keep windows covered or frosted
Use an anchor lock or ground chain for larger tools
Avoid keeping very high-value items in sheds
For Gardens:
Don’t leave tools or BBQs out overnight
Use outdoor storage benches with built-in locks
Secure furniture with anchor kits
Mark items with UV pens or smart tags
Use CCTV or smart cameras facing the garden
For Tools in Transit:
Never leave tools visible in cars or vans
Park against a wall to block access to rear doors
Use security boxes or locked tool chests
FAQs
Is my lawnmower covered if it’s left out overnight?
Most insurers won’t cover items left unattended outdoors unless the policy explicitly includes garden furniture or equipment left out. Always store tools securely.
What happens if my tools are stolen during a burglary?
If they’re stored in a locked shed or garage and your policy covers outbuildings, you can claim. Be ready to provide proof of forced entry and ownership.
Are battery-powered tools treated differently to manual tools?
Insurers tend to treat them the same — but high-value powered tools may require separate listing if they exceed the single-item limit.
Does my contents policy cover gardening equipment in my car or van?
No — if you’re transporting tools, especially for business use, you’ll need van contents insurance or business tool cover.
Can I claim for plants or landscaping damage?
Only if you’ve purchased a garden or landscaping cover add-on. Damage from pests, disease or poor weather may still be excluded.
Final Thoughts
Your garden equipment is more than just a collection of tools — it’s a valuable part of your home and lifestyle. Whether it’s for mowing lawns, growing veg, or entertaining outdoors, these items deserve proper protection.
Review your home insurance policy, make sure high-value tools are listed, and take steps to prevent theft. With the right setup, you can enjoy your garden knowing that your equipment is safe, secure, and covered if the worst happens.
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