Thatched roof home insurance

Key takeaways

Properties with thatched roofs present unique risks like higher fire hazards and specialised repair needs

Insurance costs for thatched roofs tend to therefore be higher due to the specialised nature of construction and repair techniques and rebuild cost

Many insurers don’t offer cover for thatched roofs, so you might find it harder to get the cover you need from mainstream providers

What is a thatched roof?

A thatched roof, unlike standard slate or tile roofs, is made from natural materials like straw, grass or reeds bound tightly together, commonly found in rural areas.

They require specialist construction and maintenance, and while they offer a few benefits they also present unique risks that other types of roofs don’t. As such, they often require specialist cover that you won’t get with a standard home insurance policy..

What types of thatched roofs are there?

Thatched roofs are made from a variety of different materials, including:

• Straw

• Water straw

• Reeds

• Grass

• Rushes

What home insurance do I need for a thatched roof?

Properties with thatched roofs are not considered of standard construction, so you’ll need some type of non-standard home insurance that includes thatched roof cover.

This will give you financial protection against damage resulting from storms, floods, fire and bad weather, as well as theft and burglary.

You’ll also be covered for damage to contents as a result of the above affecting your thatched roof - though check your policy to be sure of how much cover you have.

It’s key to note here, however, that you’ll only be able to claim for damage to your thatched roof if you’ve otherwise kept it well maintained and in good shape.

If it was already damaged prior to the insured event (the storm or fire), you might not be covered.

Are thatched roofs more expensive to insure?

Thatched roofs are generally speaking more expensive to insure than standard roofs. Their specialist construction means that repair costs are also more expensive, and their materials make them a bigger fire risk, which means insurers will charge more to cover them.

Will insurers refuse to cover a thatched roof?

Some insurers might not want to cover you if you have a thatched roof, so you may need to look for specialist cover. In most cases, you’ll be required to do some or all of the following to get cover:

• Have your home’s wiring be inspected regularly by an electrician

• Have your chimney regularly cleaned and expected

• Have your thatched roof regularly inspected

• Maintain fire safety rules and keep extinguishers on each floor of your home and smoke detectors in each room

What are the benefits of a thatched roof?

Thatched roofs offer a number of benefits to a property, including:

What are the drawbacks of a thatched roof?

While thatched roofs can add unique charm and appeal as well as a number of practical benefits, it’s good to be aware of the potential issues they might cause too:

• Thatched roofs can be a higher fire risk, and can cause flames to spread quicker

• They may be vulnerable to particularly harsh weather conditions like heavy rain or win

• They require regular specialist maintenance to prevent them deteriorating, and this is often necessary to keep your insurance valid too. Your insurer may even require inspections of your roof

• They can be prone to infestation from animals that like to nest in thatched roofs

Tips for keeping a thatched roof

The following tips can help you keep your thatched roof in good shape, and also potentially help reduce your insurance premiums:

• Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor

• Get your electrics, wiring and chimney inspected regularly

• Install a fire-resistant barrier under the thatched roof and use a fire-retardant spray to reduce the fire risk

• Have your roof regularly inspected and maintained by qualified tradespeople

Compare thatched roof home insurance

Comparing quotes with MoneySuperMarket is the quickest and easiest way to find cover for your thatched roof property. Just tell us a bit about yourself, your home and the cover you need, and we’ll search the market for quotes that meet your requirements. Once you find the one you want, just click through to finalise your purchase and you’ll be covered.