Protecting Your Outbuildings

It's not just your home - it's everything on your property...

A good policy will protect your whole building and include pathways, drives, boundary walls and any outbuildings such as sheds and garages within the perimeters of your property.

However you should always read your insurance policy documents to identify any exclusions.

Structures such as detached garages (outside the perimeters of your property) are likely to require separate cover, check with your insurance provider for details.

Look for a policy that guards against damage by Mother Nature - such as lightning storms, high wind and flooding - as well as fire or vehicle collision damage and malicious attacks like vandalism. Do remember that cover for outbuildings may be subject to restrictions - always check your policy document.

Outbuildings will often make easy pickings for the burglar - they're not as secure and usually don't have their own burglar alarm fitted! Always double-check with your insurance company about any special security requirements for outbuildings or any exclusions that may affect your decision as to which policy you buy.

Make the thief's job tough - here are our Top Tips for keeping your valuables in and unwanted guests out:

• DO fit locks to the windows.
• DO fit tough mortice or cylinder locks to all doors.
• DO fit blinds or drapes to windows to hide attractive items from unfriendly eyes.
• DO put high value portable items such as tools and electrical equipment in locked containers and store them out of sight if possible.
• DO lock lawn mowers and cycles - a stout padlock and chain connected to a wall is a good start.
• DO keep walls, hedges, fences and gates in good repair.
  • Don't let hedges and shrubs become so tall that they conceal intruders by blocking yours and/or the neighbours' view of the property.
• DO lay gravel on paths and driveways - you'll hear people coming.
• DO fit motion-sensitive security lighting - it'll pick up any intruders and will often scare them away.
• DO keep an inventory of what you have stored in your outbuildings.
• DO tell a neighbour you trust if you go away for a weekend or on holiday.
  • They'll often be happy to keep an eye out for you - and may even water your plants while you're away too!

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24 hour claims helpline

Simply call 0800 222 500* to make a claim under any section of your Norwich Union Direct Home insurance policy except Home Emergency Cover and Legal Services. Our incident managers offer help and advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For Claims under Home Emergency Cover telephone 0845 300 3346*.

Legal Services - simply call 0870 5234 580* if you would like free legal advice or to make a legal claim.

* Calls may be recorded and/or monitored

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