Waterproofing
Applying high-quality waterproofing reduces the chance of leaks and water damage, directly lowering the risk of costly claims and making the property safer in the insurer’s eyes.
Flat roof home insurance
Compare cheap home insurance for your flat-roofed house
What is flat roof home insurance?
Flat roof home insurance is a type of home insurance specifically tailored to properties with flat roofs, which are often considered higher risk by insurers.
💡 Top tip: Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs are more prone to water pooling, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, and damp. They also tend to have a shorter lifespan and require more frequent maintenance or replacement.
Additionally, flat roofs are more vulnerable to weather extremes, such as heavy rain, snow, or strong winds, which can cause rapid deterioration. Because of these increased risks, insurance premiums for homes with flat roofs are generally higher than for similar properties with pitched roofs, reflecting the greater likelihood of claims.
What does flat roof home insurance cover?
Flat roof home insurance covers the same basics as a standard home insurance policy, including damage to the building structure, accidental damage, and contents (if included). In addition, policies for flat roofs often provide extra protection tailored to their specific risks, such as:
Water damage from pooling or leaks
Roof deterioration or structural damage due to weather exposure
Storm or wind damage affecting the flat roof
Repair or replacement costs for roofing materials specific to flat roofs
Damage caused by blocked drains or gutters that may lead to water build-up
🚩 These additional cover options reflect the higher risk profile of flat roofs, ensuring homeowners are protected against problems that are more likely to occur with this roof type.
How much does flat roof home insurance cost?
If your house has a flat roof, your house insurance can be more expensive.
The cost of flat roof home insurance can vary widely depending on several key factors, each affecting the premium in a specific way:
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How much of your roof is flat
The greater the proportion of flat roofing, the higher the risk of leaks or structural issues, which increases premiums.
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Roof material and age
Older roofs or those made from less durable materials are more likely to need repairs, so insurers charge more to cover potential claims.
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Rebuild cost of the property
Homes that would be expensive to rebuild after damage carry higher premiums, as insurers face greater potential payouts.
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Value of the home’s contents
High-value possessions inside the home increase the total insured value, raising the overall cost of the policy.
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Property security
Strong locks, alarms, and other security measures can lower premiums by reducing the likelihood of theft or vandalism claims.
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Excess chosen
Agreeing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim reduces the insurer’s risk, often resulting in lower premiums, while a lower excess increases the cost.
How can I cut the cost of flat roof home insurance?
You can reduce the cost of flat roof home insurance by taking steps that lower the risk of damage or claims, which insurers reward with lower premiums:
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Drainage
Installing effective guttering and drainage systems prevents water pooling, a common cause of flat roof leaks, helping to reduce the likelihood of water-related claims and associated premium increases.
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Insulation
Adding insulation above the decking protects the roof structure from temperature fluctuations and moisture, reducing long-term wear and tear and the risk of damage claims.
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Security
Upgrading locks, alarms, or surveillance deters theft and vandalism, lowering the likelihood of claims for stolen or damaged property and often resulting in a premium discount.
Why compare flat roof home insurance with MoneySuperMarket?
We’re here to help you protect the things that matter most
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It doesn’t take long
Pop in some details about your home and your belongings, and compare quotes in just a few minutes
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We’ll search for savings
We’ll search the market for the cheapest deals, and help you choose the cover that suits your needs
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Get the right cover
We’ll show you claims experience for policies, to help you choose the right home insurance policy for you
Our expert says…
If your home has a flat roof, it’s important to have the right insurance in place to protect yourself financially if you encounter any issues. According to recent data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurers paid out £322 million for damage caused by storms, heavy rainfall and frozen pipes between April and June 2025
Without insurance, you’d be left footing the bill for damage to your home, which, depending on how serious the problem is, could be expensive. The annual premium that 51% of our customers paid for buildings insurance was £206.89
^ To put this into perspective, think about the price of a policy compared to the cost of a new roof. Before you commit to flat roof insurance, spend time looking at the terms and conditions, as some insurers will insist on things like having your roof checked by a professional every few years in order to keep your insurance valid.
Emma Lunn Personal finance expert
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What is a flat roof?
A flat roof is a roof with a low, or non-existent pitch, usually constructed of timber frames covered in a resistant material such as concrete, bitumen or felt.
Insurers tend to consider roofs with a slope of less than 10 degrees to be flat. If less than 30% of your roof is flat, it's unlikely to make a difference to the cost of your insurance.
Why is flat roof more expensive to insure?
Flat roofs offer less protection against storms and high levels of rainfall. If water or storm debris is allowed to remain on the roof, it will cause it to deteriorate over time – increasing the risk of you making an insurance claim.
Flat roofs also offer easier access to burglars, which could push your contents insurance premiums up too.
Does flat roof home insurance cover roof leaks?
Flat roof home insurance will usually pay out if your roof starts leaking after being damaged due to a one-off event, such as a storm. However, to make a successful claim, you’ll have to prove the problem was not caused by wear and tear. If you’re unable to do this – for example by providing photos of damage such as torn-off tiles – you may have to foot the bill for the repairs yourself.
Does flat roof home insurance cover roof repairs?
Flat roof home insurance will generally cover the full cost of roof repairs if you can prove your roof was in good condition prior to being damaged. However, general maintenance and repairs are not covered, and the amount you can claim for any damage will depend on a number of factors, including:
The age of the roof
The condition of the roof
The cause and severity of the damage
Will waterproofing my flat roof lower my insurance premium?
Yes – waterproofing your flat roof can help lower your insurance premium, because it reduces the risk of leaks and water damage, which are among the most common and costly claims for flat-roofed properties. Insurers see a well-maintained, waterproofed roof as less likely to fail, so they may offer a discount or a lower premium to reflect the reduced risk.
The actual saving depends on the insurer and the quality of the waterproofing, but even a modest improvement in roof protection can make a noticeable difference over time.
Are there grants or schemes to help pay for flat roof improvements?
Yes, there are several grants and schemes available in the UK to help pay for flat roof improvements, particularly insulation. These initiatives aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and support low-income households.
Government schemes for flat roof improvements include the Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS), ECO4 Scheme, and Warm Homes: Local Grant.
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Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is home insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
Yes, you can earn SuperSaveClub rewards when you buy home insurance through MoneySuperMarket.
This includes:
Up to £15, which you can withdraw as a pre-paid Mastercard or a gift card for brands like Sainsbury's and Amazon.co.uk
Free Days Out pass (worth £180), which gives free entry to a range of UK attractions
Cashback of up to 10% when you spend at brands including eBay, Just Eat and Argos
To earn SuperSaveClub rewards on purchases you must:
Sign up to SuperSaveClub (it's free)
Be signed in to your account when you make the purchase
More information can be found on our SuperSaveClub homepage.
Is home insurance eligible for Price Promise?
Yes, home insurance is included in our Super Save Price Promise.
If you buy through us then find the same deal for less we will:
refund the difference
give you a gift card worth up to £20
Terms and conditions apply. More information can be found on our Price Promise page.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 by
