subject: Make Sure The Green Fingered Win Over The Light Fingered [print this page] It won't be of any surprise to hear that allotment damage and theft is on the increase. There's been an upward trend in communities wanting to get involved in allotments off the back of popular TV chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall promoting the grow your own culture. And with supermarket bills creeping up and consumers looking for ways to cut food costs, it's no wonder that waiting lists for allotments are growing.
But what many allotment users and site owners perhaps don't realise is that the challenging economic climate is leading to more crime. Over the past couple of years, there's been a rise in theft related losses for items such as tools and machinery. Damage caused by break-ins to locked sheds and storage buildings are also becoming more common.
So what can be done insurance wise to protect against the problem? How can you avoid the hassle of having to deal with the after effects of light-fingered individuals? Here are some ideas to help you make sure you're properly covered so you don't become one of the next allotment crime statistics.
Cover isn't automatic!
When taking on the lease for an allotment plot, the first mistake many people make is assuming that insurance cover is automatically in place - particularly if they are renting it from the local council. That simply isn't the case. Public authorities and land owners are obliged to provide insurance for the land, but not for the possessions of any of the tenants or the activities of the tenants themselves. It is the responsibility of the site occupier to make sure their area and property are adequately covered.
Individual vs Collective?
Around 40% of allotment tenants have in place an individual insurance policy. But many communities are taking a more holistic approach to the matter. Groups of people are clubbing together, and the other 60% of the market has taken steps to insure their allotment holdings collectively. That has obvious benefits, such as a cheaper premium and no gaps in cover, giving peace of mind to those involved.
There are a number of different policies out there which offer allotment cover, and consumers should look carefully at the detail before deciding on the best option for them. Things to consider include checking whether a modular approach or sliding scale is offered for collective insurance policies, as that always makes it easier to build the right sort of cover depending on your needs.
Some people, for example, are using their allotment less as a vegetable patch, and more as a smallholding. Rearing animals, keeping bees, chickens and micropigs are gaining in popularity, and often "standard" allotment insurances don't automatically provide cover for these activities.
Levels of liability
Another area to consider is the level of maximum cover available. Many Local Authorities expect Public Liability Insurance cover to be arranged with a 10m limit, but many policies offer only 2m of cover. It's best to opt for something in between to ensure that the right sort of protection is in place.
Get smart and be secure
Be vigilant. Lock your tools and equipment away as far as possible in a well secured shed or storage facility. If you see any suspicious activity, report it. And don't leave anything valuable on show. Finally, make sure your cover is up to date and accurate, that way you'll have peace of mind in knowing that should the worst happen, you won't be inconvenienced for long in enjoying one of your favourite pastimes.
