Churchill Home Insurance is reminding golfers to keep their clubs secure this winter, as analysis1 of internal data highlights a seasonal 27 per cent uplift in claims for theft of golf equipment.
Golf equipment is popular among thieves, ranking seventh amongst the most claimed for items on home insurance policies. Over the last two years, more than £800,000 worth of golf items have been claimed for by Churchill customers.
The most commonly burgled brand of golf equipment is PING which makes up almost a quarter of all theft claims (23 per cent). This is followed by TaylorMade (21 per cent) and Callaway (18 per cent). The most valuable brand amongst the top 10 most stolen items is Mizuno which has an average item claim value of £202, this is followed by Callaway (£158) and PING (£149).
Top five golf brands commonly burgled (Percentage of total claims)
1 PING 23%
2 TaylorMade 21%
3 Callaway 18%
4 Titleist 12%
5 Odyssey 6%
Source: Churchill Home Insurance, 2015
The most commonly burgled item over the last two years is the Callaway Euro Chev trolley bag. This is followed by the PING G20 Fairway 3 and the Scotty Cameron California Monterey putter, the most expensive item per claim in the top 10. The analysis of claims data also highlights burglars’ affinity for putters, with four of the top 10 items stolen being different brands of putter.
Martin Scott, head of Churchill Home Insurance said: “With the majority of amateur players’ golfing seasons coming to an end, it is no surprise that we see an increase in thefts of clubs and accessories in October. As the weather turns, people often stash their equipment in sheds or garages making it a prime target for thieves.
“If you have to keep expensive equipment like golf clubs in a garage or shed, keep it out of sight and consider investing in extra security measures such as proximity alarms or security lights to keep potential burglars at bay. Always keep receipts, and take photographs to help your claim progress should the worse happen. It is also important to check your insurance policy limits for specific items such as sporting equipment left locked in the garden shed.”
• Based on customer theft claims fulfilled by Direct Validation Services, part of the Ryan Group, 2013 and 2014
Churchill Insurance www.churchill.com