By Lois Avery
Homeowners are failing to adequately insure expensive sports equipment, leaving thousands of pounds worth of kit open to thieves.
New research conducted by insurer Hiscox, shows that Brits are not covering items, such as golf clubs, mountain bikes and water sports gear, under their home insurance.
Even more worryingly, the survey of 1,000 people showed that homeowners are leaving these valuable goods in sheds, garages and car boots without paying attention to security.
Mountain bikes, tennis racquets, golf clubs and fishing rods were counted among the most expensive sports equipment commonly kept and on average, thieves are bagging themselves £770 worth of sporting goods from uninsured and unsecured homes.
Hiscox found that over half admitted that because they are using some of their kit more frequently during the warmer months, they are storing it in their gardens and car boots. At the same time, over a quarter of those surveyed admitted they don't always secure their garages and outbuildings effectively.
And for many, it's a case of out of sight out of mind with over a third saying they have no idea whether their expensive kit is insured and 15 per cent openly stating their equipment is not covered.
Austyn Tusler, home insurance expert at Hiscox is urging homeowners to make sure this type of kit is covered under home insurance policies, for both inside and outside the home.
He added: "The value of sports equipment can really add up as people pursue outdoor activities and invest in sophisticated and expensive kit.
“It's easy for homeowners to focus on new equipment and items they use more regularly, overlooking what might be stored at the back of the shed and seasonal items, such as fishing rods, skis and watersports equipment.”
