Garage Insurance

Insurance for garages – what you need to know to protect your contents

A garage is a handy space to store contents like power tools, car supplies and gardening equipment. But keeping all those valuable items in one place carries the risk of theft, not to mention damage from events like fire or flooding. But could garage insurance give you some extra security and peace of mind?

What is garage insurance?

Garage insurance financially protects both the contents of your garage and the structure itself. When people get insurance for a garage, it’s often in the form of a home insurance policy that includes garage contents insurance, and buildings insurance that covers any damage to the garage.

Do I need separate insurance for my garage?

That depends on where your garage is located, and which items you want to cover.

If your garage is attached to your home, or within the property boundary, it may be covered by your home insurance policy. If the garage is located outside the boundary in a nearby block, you may need a separate detached garage insurance policy.

What does garage insurance cover?

Garage insurance can cover a range of contents, such as:

• Sports equipment
• Lawnmowers
• Garden furniture
• Power tools
• Bicycles.

However, there will be a limit as to how much you can claim for each item listed in your garage insurance policy.

What does garage insurance not cover?

Your garage contents insurance is unlikely to include cover for motorised vehicles such as cars, caravans and e-scooters. And you might not be able to make a successful insurance claim if your garage is left unlocked, or if your home, including the garage, is unfurnished or unoccupied.

Additionally, with Saga Home Insurance, you’ll be unable to make a garage insurance claim in certain situations, such as:

• Loss or damage caused by wear and tear, or mechanical or electrical fault, failure or breakdown.
• Any loss or damage that was caused deliberately by you, or someone acting on your behalf.
• Loss, damage or legal liability caused by events like pollution or contamination, with exceptions such as sudden or unexplained accidents that can be clearly identified.

Is my car covered by garage insurance?

No, your garage contents insurance won’t cover your car, even if you SORN your vehicle. Your vehicle should be covered through a separate car insurance policy, which is a legal requirement in the UK. If your vehicle is stolen or damaged while inside your garage, you would need to make your claim through your car insurance policy.

Do I need contents insurance for my garage?

Every household has different habits, so you may want to consider your lifestyle and how much importance you place on different activities before deciding whether you need home insurance that covers your garage contents.

For example, are you a keen gardener who would feel distressed if your mower was stolen? Do you enjoy DIY or rely on tools for your work? If you have a fitness routine or work in the sports industry, how important is the equipment stashed in your garage?

While some people may prefer to pay for storage away from home, this can be costly, and the ease of having your possessions close by could mean that home contents insurance – or separate garage insurance – gives you enough financial protection and peace of mind.