non-standard home insurance Compare quotes to find the best insurance policy for you
Non-standard home insurance in the UK covers properties that don’t fit the typical criteria of standard home insurance, such as those with unusual construction methods, materials, or location. These properties often require specialist policies because they pose unique risks and may have higher repair costs.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What makes a home “non-standard”?
Construction:
Homes built with timber frames, steel frames, flat roofs, or thatched roofs, for example, are considered non-standard.
Materials:
Properties using unusual building materials like cob, wattle and daub, or straw bale construction also fall into this category.
Location:
Homes in conservation areas or flood zones, or those that are frequently unoccupied, may also require non-standard insurance.
Other Factors:
Listed buildings, barn conversions, and properties with a history of subsidence or other issues are also often covered by non-standard policies.
Personal Circumstances:
Insurance companies may also consider an individual’s personal circumstances, such as criminal convictions or bankruptcy, as factors in determining whether to offer non-standard insurance.
Why is non-standard insurance needed?
Unique Risks:
Non-standard homes may be more susceptible to certain types of damage, like fire in timber frames or water damage in flat roofs.
Specialized Repairs:
Repairs to non-standard homes may require specialised contractors and materials, leading to higher costs.
Insurers’ Preferences:
Some insurers may be unwilling to offer cover for non-standard homes due to the perceived increased risk.
Bespoke Policies:
Non-standard insurance policies can be tailored to the specific needs of the property, offering more comprehensive coverage than standard policies.
Types of Non-Standard Home Insurance:
Contents Insurance:Covers the belongings within the home.
Buildings Insurance:Covers the structure of the home.
Combined Insurance:Covers both the structure and contents of the home.
Non-Standard home insurance in the UK: a comprehensive guide
Standard home insurance policies in the UK are designed for properties built using conventional materials like brick or stone, with a slate or tiled roof, and occupied full-time by the owner. However, a significant number of properties don’t fit this “standard” mold, requiring specialised non-standard home insurance coverage. This guide delves into the various facets of non-standard home insurance, covering common situations, associated risks, and key considerations for homeowners.
What is non-standard home insurance?
Non-standard home insurance caters to properties that deviate from the typical insurance criteria, either due to their construction, location, or the homeowner’s personal circumstances. These policies are tailored to address the unique risks associated with such properties, offering a level of protection not typically available with standard insurance.
Common categories requiring non-standard cover
Non-standard construction: This is a major category for non-standard insurance. It includes properties built with unusual materials or methods, such as:
Timber-framed homes or steel-framed homes: These constructions present different fire and structural risks compared to traditional builds.
Thatched roofs: Thatch is highly flammable and requires specialist fire prevention measures and repairs.
Flat roofs or non-standard extensions: These can be prone to leaks and require specialized maintenance.
Wattle and daub, concrete homes, or modular homes: These require bespoke assessments due to their age or unique building methods.
Listed buildings: Historic properties are subject to strict regulations regarding repairs and renovations, necessitating specialist cover that accounts for the use of traditional materials and expert labour.
Properties in high-risk locations:
Homes at flood risk: Properties located in areas prone to flooding require policies that specifically cover flood damage, which may have higher excesses.
Homes with a history of subsidence: Subsidence, heave, and landslip can cause severe structural damage. Insuring properties with a history of subsidence requires specialist attention, as many mainstream insurers may be unwilling to offer cover.
Unoccupied properties:
Unoccupied property insurance or unoccupied house insurance: If a property is left vacant for longer than 30-60 days (depending on the insurer), standard policies may not provide adequate coverage, particularly against risks like theft, vandalism, and water damage.
High-value homes:
High-value home insurance or high net worth home insurance: For properties and contents exceeding typical value limits (e.g., contents over £100,000 or rebuild value over £1 million), specialist cover provides more comprehensive protection.
Holiday lets and second homes:
Holiday home insurance or holiday let insurance: These properties are occupied less frequently and may be rented out to guests, increasing the risk of theft, accidental damage, and liability claims.
Homeowners with adverse claims history:
Adverse claims history insurance or poor claims history insurance: Homeowners who have made multiple claims or high-value claims in the past may find it difficult to obtain standard insurance. Specialist policies can be found, but premiums may be higher.
Homeowners with criminal convictions:
Home insurance with criminal convictions: Unspent criminal convictions must be disclosed to insurers if asked. While some may refuse cover, specialist providers can offer policies, though premiums are likely to be higher.
Key considerations and challenges
Risk assessment and rebuilding costs: Non-standard construction materials and methods can be more expensive to repair or replace. Listed buildings require specialized materials and skilled labour, further driving up rebuild costs. It is essential to get an accurate rebuild cost valuation for these properties to ensure adequate coverage.
Finding the right insurer: Many standard insurers may decline to cover properties falling into the non-standard categories. Homeowners may need to seek out specialist providers or work with insurance brokers who have access to a wider panel of insurers specializing in these risks.
Increased premiums and excesses: Due to the higher perceived risks, non-standard home insurance policies often come with higher premiums compared to standard policies. Subsidence claims, for example, typically have a £1,000 excess, which may be higher than for other types of claims.
Policy conditions and clauses: Non-standard policies may include specific conditions, such as requirements for regular property inspections for unoccupied properties. It is crucial to carefully review the policy documents to understand the full scope of coverage and any exclusions.
Declined or cancelled insurance: Having an adverse claims history or unspent criminal convictions can lead to insurers refusing to offer cover or cancelling existing policies. This can make it even harder to secure a new policy, highlighting the importance of being upfront and seeking specialist advice.
Importance of specialist advice
Navigating the complexities of non-standard home insurance can be challenging. Consulting with an experienced insurance broker or specialist insurer who understands the nuances of these unique risks is highly recommended. They can help assess the specific needs of your property, guide you through the process of obtaining an accurate rebuild cost valuation, and connect you with suitable insurance providers. Ultimately, ensuring your non-standard property is adequately insured provides peace of mind and safeguards your valuable investment against unforeseen events.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
