Garden features that may invalidate insurance

Homeowners are being warned about garden upgrades that could invalidate their home insurance.

Home insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have shared five garden features that should be declared to insurers to help avoid issues with cover.

With around 70% of homes in the UK thought to be underinsured,* failing to disclose garden features could further increase the risk of reduced payouts or rejected claims.

Seemingly harmless additions such as sheds, trampolines and climbing frames can all affect insurance if they are not properly declared or safely installed.

Sheds are often used to store valuable items like tools and bicycles, meaning insurers may apply cover limits or require additional security measures.

Outdoor play equipment, if not correctly installed, can pose safety risks, increasing the likelihood of injuries and potential liability claims.

Larger projects, like summer houses and outdoor offices that include plumbing and heating, may require planning permission and must comply with building regulations.** If these requirements are not met, it could affect the validity of home insurance, as insurers may refuse claims involving unauthorised or non-compliant structures.

It’s important to always use a qualified professional for jobs such as plumbing, electrical work or even decking and patios, as poor-quality garden work that doesn’t meet regulatory standards can also invalidate insurance.

Ian Wilson, home insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “As the weather begins to improve and households spend more time outdoors, now is a great time to carry out upgrades or improvements in the garden. However, many homeowners don’t realise that some simple changes can still affect their home insurance cover.

“Additions like kids’ play equipment and storage units, or even quick DIY jobs, might feel like you’re making minor changes to a garden, but if they’re not declared or installed well, they could lead to complications when making a claim.

“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.

“By using qualified professionals to carry out garden work as well as reviewing policy details when adding any new additions, you can better protect your property and avoid the risk of reduced payouts or rejected claims in the future.”

Five garden features which could invalidate home insurance:

Installing garden rooms or outbuildings

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. 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.

Adding sheds or storage structures

Sheds and storage units in the garden can affect your cover, especially if you’re storing high-value items inside. Insurers often apply strict limits and security requirements for outbuildings. It’s important for homeowners to read their policy terms and conditions, some may even stipulate that valuable items shouldn’t be visible from the window.

Planting new trees

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. This can affect your home insurance and may lead to claims being refused if the risk was not declared or properly managed.

Poor-quality or non-compliant garden work

Carrying out poor-quality garden work that later causes problems can affect your insurance. This could include badly installed decking, unstable patios or poorly fitted electrical work. 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.

Trampolines and large play equipment

Trampolines and large outdoor play equipment, like climbing frames, increase the risk of injury, especially to children, and can create liability issues if someone is hurt on your property. Many insurers exclude them or apply strict conditions such as safety nets, soft landing surfaces or secure anchoring for cover to remain valid.

Tiger.co.uk gives customers the tools to help them compare and find savings on home insurance.

References:

*https://thejournal.cii.co.uk/2026/02/12/underinsurance-leaves-7-10-uk-properties-exposed

**https://summerhouse24.co.uk/uk-garden-building-planning-permission-guide/

This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.