With spring just around the corner and families hoping to spend some time outside in the garden,
home insurance customers should make sure they are fully covered for their garden contents.
New research from Nationwide shows that one in three homeowners have up to £1,000 worth of furniture and ornaments in their garden which could be at risk of theft or damage if adequate cover is not put in place.
The firm's insurance director Robin Bailey said: "Items such as lawnmowers and garden furniture will be dusted off and may be left out in the open for long periods of time, resulting in easy pickings for opportunistic thieves and vandals."
Homeowners are advised to keep items such as lawnmowers and garden tools locked securely in a shed or garage and to use ground anchors to secure benches, ornaments and potted plants to the ground.
They should also make sure they shop around when looking for insurance that will adequately cover their garden contents.
According to Thrifty Scot significant savings could be made by searching the market thoroughly and some companies may offer discounts for customers taking out both home and car cover together.
InsureandGo offers a range of
home insurance policies to protect the home and its contents.