What does it cover?
Thatched building insurance isn’t a single policy, but a package of cover that protects your building and contents. This specialist insurance policy doesn’t just cover the roof. It considers that a property with a thatched roof may also be a listed building, which puts limits on various aspects of home renovation and maintenance. Thatched property cover includes all the usual elements of home insurance, but with extra considerations added, such as:
- Buildings cover – This covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the insured property in the event of a fire or storm damage. Because thatched properties are built from non-standard materials, you may need to look for a specialist insurance designed for properties with thatched roofs and other materials such as cob. It should also cover the cost of skilled thatchers to repair the roof, debris removal, and compliance with conservation rules.
- Contents cover – This provides protection for belongings and can include items stored in garages and outbuildings.
- Accidental damage
- Extra cover for fire and flood – Thatched roofs are susceptible to fire damage. It may be worth talking to your broker to see if you can add a specific fire damage policy to your package to cover the cost of repairs and re-thatching.
Thatched roof insurance is specifically designed for buildings with roofs made from traditional materials such as water reed, long straw, and combed wheat reed, rather than slates, shingles, or tiles.
What isn't covered
It’s important to check your policy to see if there are any exclusions. Generally, thatched roof insurance policies will not cover wear and tear and gradual deterioration, including rot and mould or damage caused by poor maintenance.
Benefits of owning a thatched home
- Good insulation – The thick thatch and supporting walls provide useful insulation, as long as the thatch is kept in good condition.
- Environmental benefits – Traditional building materials are highly sustainable, which can be better for the environment.
- Cultural heritage – The pleasure of living in a culturally important home adds to the ambience and makes thatched cottages and properties hugely popular. They are also popular as holiday lets, with strong visitor demand.
- Property value – Thatched properties can be highly desirable, particularly in sought-after rural locations, although their market value varies considerably
Risks of owning a thatched home
- Fire hazard – Thatch fires can spread quickly and may be very difficult to extinguish once alight. This alone can make insurance more costly.
- Weather vulnerability – Thatch is vulnerable to high winds and storm damage, especially as the thatch starts to degrade over the years.
- High maintenance needs and costs – Thatched roofs are very expensive to maintain and repair, requiring the skills of an experienced thatcher. Waiting lists can be very long, and a complete roof replacement can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
How can I help manage the cost and risk of insuring a thatched property?
You may be able to reduce the cost of your thatched building insurance with some simple steps.
- Use open fires and wood-burning stoves in accordance with safety guidance and any requirements specified by your insurer
- Maintain electrical systems and carry out regular inspections by a qualified electrician
- Install fire-retardant barriers and use fire-retardant sprays or thatch batts to prevent the spread of fire
- Ensure your roof is regularly maintained and keep a detailed record of all repairs
- Ensure your chimney is swept regularly and maintained properly
- Install smoke detectors throughout the property, including in the loft close to the thatch.
Do only older properties have thatched roofs?
Thatch is primarily seen on older properties in the UK, and while there are some newer properties where thatch has been included for aesthetic values, the high cost and labour-intensive nature of thatching a roof makes it an expensive choice.
What types of thatch can be insured?
Insurers generally cover thatch made from water reed, combed wheat reed, and long straw. They also insure less common materials such as heather, turf, sedge, rye, and veldt grass. However, these require more detailed assessment because lifespans and maintenance needs vary.
Protect your home with Park Insurance
For over 30 years, Park Insurance has been providing specialist insurance for property owners. Our expertise and experience in the insurance industry allow us to understand your needs, while our position as brokers for the UK’s largest insurance providers means we can source competitively priced thatched roof insurance to suit your budget. Use our online Get A Quote function for an instant, no-obligation quote, or call us today for more information.