Thatched Property Insurance
Owning a thatched home brings with it some unique challenges and finding insurance which gives you the cover you need can be a challenge.
Why choose Howden for thatched property insurance?
Understanding the specific needs of a thatched property owner is key to the service and advice we provide. Whether it is a property of significant value, or of an unusual construction with unique features and outbuildings, our experience in dealing with these types of properties means that we understand the distinct needs, maintenance issues and concerns that you’ll have.
Insuring a thatched home is more complicated than insuring a standard home. Insurers will ask a lot more questions. However, with the support of our strong market foothold, we can help shape cover and challenge an insurer’s interpretation of the risk – ensuring a policy is tailormade. And in the event of a claim, you’ll have the support of our private client claims team to look after you.
Benefits of working with us:
- Expertise and advice for now and the future
- Dedicated, professionally qualified team of experts
- Each year over 95 per cent of our clients choose to stay with us
- Rated “Excellent” on Trustpilot
- A Private Client legacy which dates back to 1948
About thatched property insurance
It’s not just the thatched roof that is usually ‘non-standard’ on a thatched home. Thatched properties are often timber-framed with brick, stone or plaster infill. The insurers we work with understand this and can accommodate for the range of materials used to construct older homes.
Thatched home insurance policies also contain more policy conditions than standard home policies – things you must do (or not do) to ensure your policy is valid and that insurers will pay out on a claim. We’ll ensure that you comply with the conditions of your policy – these can include
- Smoke detection requirements
- Fire extinguisher requirements
- Electrical checks– usually required every five years
- Regular chimney sweeping
- Woodburning stoves
Most thatched home policies contain the average clause which states that if you are underinsured, insurers can reduce the amount they pay out in the event of a claim. This means that if your property is insured for £700,000, but the actual cost to rebuild it is £1,000,000 then the insurer will reduce the claim by 30%. In the event of a major incident you may face a shortfall of £300,000 but, importantly, this clause also applies to any claim. It’s therefore vital that your building sum insured is adequate.
To talk to us about your thatched property, please contact us on 020 7543 2801 or request a call back.
FAQs about thatched properties
What is a thatched roof?
A thatched roof is typically made up of dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes, heather, or palm branches. These materials are intricately layered to create a durable and waterproof roof over a structure.
The creation of thatched roofs is a traditional roofing method and has been used worldwide for centuries. They’re still popular in some rural areas and with those who appreciate their rustic charm.
Which types of thatched properties do you cover?
The insurers we work with can cover a wide range of thatched property roofs, including:
- Combed Wheat
- Devon Reed
- Log Straw
- Norfolk Reed
- Wheat Reed
- Water Reed
If your property doesn’t have a roof made of any of the above materials contact us. We can still find you a policy that can provides you with the protection you need.
The type of properties we can insure include:
- Main residences
- High-value properties
- Second homes
- Thatched holiday homes
- Thatched holiday rentals
- Part thatched buildings
What does a thatched insurance policy include?
Contents cover will protect your valuable items that can be found in your home. Buildings cover insures the structure of your thatched property.
Can I insure my thatched property with a standard home insurance policy?
Insuring a thatched home is more complicated than insuring a standard home. Insurers will ask a lot more questions. This is because thatched roofs are considered non-standard, so you'll need a specialist home insurance policy designed specifically for thatched properties.
How much does thatched property insurance cost?
A combination of factors affects home insurance premiums. Generally speaking thatched properties tend to be listed, which is factored into the rebuild value of the property. However, there are ways to manage your thatch home insurance premiums. You can read about this in our article: Ways to manage your thatch home insurance premium.
Are thatched properties more expensive to insure?
Yes, thatched roofs are generally more expensive to insure compared to standard roofs. This is primarily due to the higher risk of fire and the specialist materials and skills required for repairs and maintenance. You can read more about this in our article: Why are thatched home insurance premiums rising?
Which policy add-ons can I include in my thatched property insurance policy?
You can add various extras to increase your policy’s coverage. These include:
- Legal expenses cover: this helps cover the cost of legal fees if you need to pursue or defend a legal claim.
- Home emergency cover: offers assistance for urgent issues like plumbing problems, heating failures, or electrical faults.
- Home excess protection: in the event of a claim, you’ll receive your full excess back. The excess protection policy will even work if you have a voluntary excess on top of any compulsory excess.
Can I get cover for a listed thatched property?
Yes, you can get cover for a listed thatched property. Listed properties require an insurance policy which takes into account their unique features and the legal requirements for repairs and renovations.
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