Thatch home insurance - managing the winter months

Insuring a thatched home is more complicated than insuring a standard home, and a thatch insurance policy comes with more conditions than a standard home insurance policy. Policy conditions aren’t something that should be brushed off as “just the small print". If you don’t comply with them, you could invalidate your policy, leaving you in a difficult position in the event of a claim.

Some policy conditions are particularly important to remember around wintertime. Here are some examples:

• You must tell your broker or insurer if you start to use a stove, woodburner or open fire which has previously been unused or dormant

• When open fires are in the property, the chimneys must be:
  • Kept in a good state of repair
  • Professionally cleaned along the entire length at least once a year before winter use.

• When stoves or wood burners are in the property, the chimneys must be:
  • Kept in a good state of repair
  • Professionally lined and insulated
  • Professionally cleaned along the entire length at least twice a year, once before and once during winter use
  • Inspected by a HETAS registered company at least once every three years and a copy provided to your insurer.

• If you have a spark arrester fitted, it must be thoroughly cleaned at the same time as the chimney.

Bonfires

Some people like to have a bonfire at this time of year (especially on 5th November). You need to check your policy before doing this, as most policies have a requirement in respect of the burning of any materials. For example:

• You must ensure that no bonfires/incinerators within your control are lit within 100 metres of the private residence.

Maintaining your thatch

It’s important to ensure that your thatch is in good condition and any necessary repairs are carried out. Most policies have a condition for the thatch to be inspected by a qualified thatcher at least once every 10 years and, if this is not carried out, they will restrict or exclude cover for storm, ingress of water or weight of snow.

Additional policy requirements

Thatch policies may also include conditions specific to your home and your policy. These will be written onto your policy schedule, usually at the end, and changes the policy wording by applying new conditions or relaxing existing conditions.

Examples include:

• Additional time to comply with the policy conditions. I.e. 30 days to get a fresh electrical inspection, 60 days to install an additional smoke detector
• A higher flood excess
• An exclusion in cover

If you have a broker they can explain these to you.

Fire prevention and detection

Thatch insurance policies will invariably have fire prevention and detection requirements.

• Fire extinguishers. Most insurers are very specific as to what type of fire extinguisher must be in place and where. They should be serviced regularly so that you can rely on them when needed.
• Fire detection. Again, these will be a requirement. The category and grade required depends on the size of your home and the insurer. This can range from a battery operated smoke detectors right up to a Grade A fire alarm system linked to a central station. If you are relying on battery smoke detectors, we recommend that you upgrade these to the newer Grade F1 battery radio interlinked detectors.
• Electrical inspections. Insurers will often require an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every 5 years, or sooner if recommended by your electrician.

You can go above the insurer’s minimum requirements. This may help lower the risk, and as a result the premium. But always discuss with your broker or insurer first. If you cannot comply with these conditions, and you do not let your insurer know, you may have no fire insurance cover.

Next steps

Understanding the specific requirements of a thatched home insurance policy is vital. Our experience in dealing with thatched property insurance means that we understand the distinct needs, maintenance issues and concerns that thatched owners may have. We can also help if you’re buying a thatched home for the first time and give you advice.

If you’re thinking of buying a thatched home or need some thatched home insurance advice, then give us a call on 020 7543 2801 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk