Got a shiny new garden room and wondering if it’s actually insured, or just looks secure, Short answer: sometimes, but not always. It depends on your policy, how it’s built, and what you use it for. Keep reading to find out how to protect your backyard pride and joy properly.
Most people assume their garden room is covered under their standard home insurance. But just because it's sitting pretty in your garden doesn't mean your insurer sees it that way.
Many standard policies only include basic cover for outbuildings, and that often comes with limits. If your garden room is more than just a glorified shed, like an insulated office with electrics and heating, you could be underinsured without knowing.
Let’s break it down. Home insurance is usually split into two parts:
Buildings insurance protects the actual structure (walls, roof, windows).
Contents insurance protects the stuff inside (furniture, laptops, gym gear).
Your garden room might not be included in either unless it's clearly listed. And even if it is, high-value items inside could be excluded or capped. It’s always worth checking the fine print.
It depends on your insurer. Some will cover a garden room as an outbuilding, but only if it meets certain criteria:
It must be within your property boundary
It must be built to a certain standard (e.g. permanent structure, proper materials)
If you've got a modern, fully-equipped garden office, don’t assume it’s just another shed in the insurer's eyes.
If your insurer doesn't know your garden room exists, they can’t protect it.
Always let them know about any new outbuilding, especially one with a high rebuild cost. You might need to share building plans, specifications, or photos. Better safe than sorry if you ever need to make a claim.
Most contents insurance policies have single item limits. That means if you have a £2,000 MacBook or a £3,000 treadmill in your garden room, and your limit is £1,000, you won't get the full amount back if it’s stolen.
Make a list of any pricey kit you're storing out there and talk to your insurer about getting it fully covered.
Even if your contents are insured in the main house, that coverage might not extend to outbuildings like a garden room.
Some policies cover contents in sheds and garages, but not all do, especially if the items are valuable or if the structure is detached. Always check if there are location-based exclusions in your policy.
A basic wooden shed costs a lot less to rebuild than a high-spec garden room with bi-fold doors and underfloor heating.
The more expensive your garden room is, the more you need to insure it for.
Ask a builder or supplier for a detailed quote or valuation. That figure matters when choosing or updating your buildings cover.
What’s inside your garden room can often be just as valuable as the building itself.
Think smart TVs, sound systems, fitness equipment, or even a stocked mini-bar. Add up the total value and make sure it's declared. If you add new kit later on, update your policy again.
Insurers love good security, and they expect it. Some won’t cover you at all if your garden room is easy to break into.
Fitted locks, motion-sensor lights, and alarms can reduce your premium and keep you protected. It also shows the insurer you take security seriously.
Running a business or working from home in your garden room?
You might need specialist business or commercial insurance. Some home policies won’t cover work-related equipment or liability if you have clients visiting. Always tell your insurer how you plan to use the space.
This could save you a headache down the line. Ask your insurer if the garden room will be covered and what conditions you need to meet.
Don’t assume anything, every policy is different.
If your garden room burned down tomorrow, how much would it cost to rebuild? That’s the number your insurer needs.
Get a professional estimate or builder’s quote and provide it to your insurer.
Make a list of everything you're planning to store or use in the space.
Include gadgets, furniture, gym gear, and anything over your single-item policy limit. The more specific you are, the better protected you’ll be.
This bit’s important.
Always ask for a confirmation email or policy document showing your garden room and contents are covered. Verbal agreements aren’t enough if you need to make a claim.
If your garden room is high-end, used daily, or houses valuable equipment, standard home insurance might not be enough.
A dedicated garden room insurance policy can offer tailored protection, and peace of mind.
Specialist cover often includes:
Accidental damage (like cracked windows or broken kit)
Theft or vandalism
Office equipment or business liability
Heating and electrical systems
These policies are built for modern garden rooms, not just old-school sheds. If your setup is worth protecting, it’s worth exploring.
✅ Inform your insurer before building anything
✅ Confirm if your garden room is classed as an outbuilding under your policy
✅ Work out the rebuild value and declare it
✅ Add up the total value of your contents
✅ Invest in good locks and security features
✅ Check if business use needs extra insurance
✅ Ask for written proof of your cover
✅ Review and update your policy every year
Your garden room is an investment. Don’t leave it to chance.
Talk to your insurer, secure the right cover, and relax knowing your garden escape is protected.
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