Storage of valuables in dodgy garage - insurance implications

BeefSteakTomato

I'm looking at a house at the moment that has a garage on the property that I would like to use to store motorbikes / tools / equipment etc. Unfortunately the floor isn't concreted (bare earth with carpet on top:o) and the roof isn't substantial (wriggly polycarbonate ).

The bare earth floor means a damp environment, therefore greater chance of metal corrosion (tools / vehicles). The weak roof could represent a water damage and security risk.

Could a claim on my home contents insurance for items in the garage be rejected because of the bare earth floor and weak roof?

Many thanks for any input,
BeefSteakTom;)

davidmcn

Have you ever seen a policy which covers you for rust?!

Most policies will have some sort of minimum security requirement for outbuildings, you really need to read the individual policy wording to check for their requirements.

Cheeky_Monkey

Personally I think it would definitely be rejected.

They would probably say that you knew the state of the garage before you put your 'valuables' in there and in doing so you didn't take reasonable care to ensure their safety/protection from damage.

eddddy

You should read the terms of your policy to see if you would be covered. (Sometimes the standard terms are fairly lax, but the insurance co impose special terms about security following a burglary claim.)


But depending on what tools you will be storing, perhaps think about the following example:

You have £200 worth of tools stolen. Your excess is £100. Making a claim will increase future premiums for a few years. It would probably be more 'cost-effective' not to claim.

A second claim shortly after, and your premiums will probably sky-rocket.

It's probably most cost-effective to invest in making the garage secure at the outset.

bris

It could be treated as no more than an out building such as a garden shed and the claim would be limited to the policy if it covers them. Usually a limited amount, but even then there is still a minimum security requirement.

BeefSteakTomato

Thanks all.

lincroft1710

Buy house, get garage floor concreted, replace garage roof.

G_M

Build a proper garage.