12/11/2026
Having insurance is one of the ways we can protect ourselves from the unexpected. Our customers, Richard and Joy, lost decades of tools, equipment and memories in a fire that destroyed their shed. Through every stage of their recovery, we were there to support them and help them move forward.
Richard and Joy left their home one morning only to return a few hours later to find their shed and all its contents had been destroyed by fire. Inside, Richard kept a lifetime’s worth of tools, some that had been passed down to him from his father, others collected over years of carpentry, house building and fitting out boats.
As they reckoned with the loss, the first step was piecing together exactly what had been destroyed. Once the site was inspected, the couple worked through the difficult task of documenting the 280 items damaged or lost in the fire. As AA Insurance customers, our team guided them through the claims process for contents insurance, helping them understand what they needed to provide so we could progress the claim. They took photographs of the damaged items and found instruction manuals to help establish proof of ownership. “We had never been through anything like this before, but AA Insurance kept in touch and explained how everything would work. The support from start to finish was phenomenal.” Joy says.
Looking back, the experience highlighted several important lessons on how to prepare for the unexpected. Here are three key lessons Richard and Joy learnt from their experience:
1. Think about the possessions stored in your shed or garage
Outbuildings like garages and sheds can hold a surprisingly large share of a household’s contents, adding to the overall value of your contents. It’s important to account for contents within these external storage locations when calculating your sum insured. Your sum insured is generally the maximum amount your insurer will pay if you need to make a claim.
2. Review your contents sum insured
After the fire, Richard and Joy went through every room in their main house and were surprised to find that they were under insured. They have since increased their sum insured to ensure all their belongings are adequately covered. Think about your high value items like hobby equipment, machinery and jewellery, but also everyday items like clothing, kitchenware, bedding and books. This handy contents calculator, independently provided by Sum Insured, can help you calculate the value of your belongings.
3. Keep records of your purchases
Richard and Joy now diligently keep receipts and records of any tools and equipment they buy, filing them all in one, safe place. Purchase receipts, valuations, financial statements, instruction manuals, photos or shop records may be accepted as proof of ownership by your insurer. Having proof of ownership can make the claims process faster and easier.
Richard and Joy’s experience is a reminder that regularly reviewing your cover and keeping details about your belongings, from receipts to instruction manuals, can make it easier to accurately assess and settle a claim on your Contents Insurance Policy.
This story was published in AA Directions. Read the full article here: AA Directions Spring 2026 by AA_Directions - Issuu
Any questions?
Now’s a great time to review your insurance. We recommend checking your details are up to date and ensuring the policy and cover you’ve chosen is right for you and your insurance needs.
If you have any questions about your insurance, need to update your AA Insurance policies or would like a quote, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can find our opening hours and ways to get in touch with us on our contact page.
This blog provides general information only and is not intended to be a recommendation or personalised financial advice. Excesses, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions apply to AA Insurance Limited’s policies. Please check the policy wording and your policy schedule for details of cover. The provision of cover is subject to the underwriting criteria that apply at the time.
