What is non-standard home insurance?

Key takeaways

• Non-standard home insurance is designed for properties that don’t fit typical home insurance criteria, including high-value homes and properties at flood risk

• Homes with unique construction features, such as thatched roofs, timber frames, steel frames, flat roofs, and modular homes usually need non-standard insurance

• Insurance costs vary based on location, age, size, security features, construction materials, and home usage

What is non-standard home insurance?

Non-standard home insurance is specialist cover designed for properties that don’t meet the standard underwriting criteria of mainstream, off-the-shelf home insurance policies.

A property might be designated as ‘non-standard’ for various reasons including:

• Non-standard construction: Homes built with unconventional materials or methods, such as timber frames, thatched roofs, modular homes, or eco-friendly designs.

• High-value homes: Homes that are of particularly high value often require specialist policies due to their high rebuild costs.

• Flood risk: Properties that have previously been flooded or are at a high risk of flooding.

• Unoccupied long-term: Properties that have been unoccupied for a long period of time, including those undergoing renovation or empty following an inheritance.

• Listed buildings: Listed buildings require specialist insurance due to the extra regulations that surrounds how they’re built and renovated.

• Subsidence: Properties with a history of subsidence often need specialist insurance as well as a structural engineer's report.

• Personal circumstances: Including individuals with criminal convictions or who have been declared bankrupt, which must be disclosed when seeking insurance.

What types of construction are non-standard?

Standard homes are usually built with brick or stone walls and slate or tiled roofs. Non-standard construction includes homes built with unconventional materials or methods.

Types of non-standard construction include:

• Thatched roofs: An icon of the British countryside, thatched roofs require regular, skilled replacement.

• Timber-framed homes: These homes need extra care due to the material's susceptibility to fire and rot.

• Steel frames: Although durable, they are expensive to repair or replace.

• Flat roofs: These have a higher risk of water damage due to their design.

• Modular homes: These require specialist maintenance due to their unique construction methods.

• Barn conversions: Often using a mix of old and new building materials, or made with non-standard materials, these homes need special insurance considerations.

How will I know if I need non-standard home insurance?

In many cases, you won’t know whether you need non-standard home insurance until you apply for a home insurance quote .

Insurers will ask questions about your property’s construction, occupancy, use, and your personal circumstances. If your answers fall outside the criteria of a standard policy, you may be directed to a non-standard home insurance provider.

Why do some properties need non-standard home insurance?

You may need non-standard home insurance if your property or circumstances present a higher or more complex risk profile than standard insurers are willing to cover.

Specialist policies are designed to provide protection for homes that fall outside the usual underwriting criteria of mainstream home insurance providers.

This might be because of:

• High rebuilding costs: Unique materials and construction methods can be more expensive to replace or repair.

• Increased maintenance: Some non-standard homes require more upkeep, which insurers take into account.

• Higher risk: This might be because the property is empty or used as a second home or holiday home.

📣 Did you know? Rebuilding costs, such as the price of raw materials and labour costs, rose by 21% from 2022 to 2024 according to The House Rebuilding Cost Index (HRCI).

What do I need to tell my insurer?

When applying for home insurance, it's important to provide accurate and complete information about your property and circumstances. Insurers use this information to assess risk, calculate premiums, and ensure you have the right level of cover.

Full disclosure: Insurers need to understand the full details of your property, its construction, occupancy, use, and any relevant personal circumstances.

Failing to disclose important information is known as ‘non-disclosure’ and could result in a claim being reduced, declined, or your policy being invalidated. If you're unsure whether something is relevant, it's best to tell your insurer to be on the safe side.

What types of non-standard home insurance are there?

The type of cover you need depends on your property and circumstances, but the main options are:

• Contents insurance – Covers your personal belongings against risks such as theft, fire, and accidental damage. The cost and availability of cover may be affected by your property's construction type and location.

• Buildings insurance – Protects the structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and permanent fixtures. Cover is based on the property's rebuild cost rather than its market value.

• Combined buildings and contents insurance – Provides both types of cover under a single policy, offering a convenient and often more cost-effective solution for homeowners.

What is my home’s rebuild value?

If you own a non-standard property, it's worth obtaining an accurate rebuild cost assessment before arranging insurance. Underestimating the rebuild value could leave you underinsured, while overestimating it may result in higher premiums than necessary.

You can use a free rebuild cost calculator, such as the one provided by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) , to get an initial estimate. A professional surveyor can provide the most reliable valuation, helping to ensure your cover reflects the true cost of rebuilding your home.

How much does non-standard insurance cost?

The cost of non-standard home insurance can vary widely. It is usually more expensive than standard home insurance. Factors that influence the price include:

• The location of your home

• The age and size of the property

• Security features installed in the home

• The materials used in the construction

• How the home is used, such as for business or as a holiday let

• Whether your home is at risk of flooding or subsidence

• If you have any additional add-ons such as legal expenses

• If you will live in the property or let it to tenants (this means you will need landlord insurance )

According to specialist broker Insuremy.co.uk , a typical combined home insurance policy for a standard property costs about £350 to £450 a year. Insuring a holiday let or second home might cost closer to £800 a year, while cover for a listed property could cost £900 to £1,200 each year.

What are some additional policy features on non-standard home insurance?

Non-standard home insurance policies often include optional extras and specialist features. Depending on the property and insurer, these can include:

• Accidental damage : Cover for those unexpected mishaps.

• Home emergency cover : For urgent issues that need immediate attention.

• Legal cover : For legal costs arising from property disputes or other home-related legal matters.

How can I cut the cost of non-standard home insurance?

While non-standard home insurance is often more expensive than standard cover, there are several ways to reduce your premium:

Build a no-claims discount over time.

• Pay your home insurance premium annually rather than monthly.

• Opt for a higher excess : A higher excess can lead to lower premiums but be sure to choose an excess amount that you can afford in the event of a claim.

• Improve security: Installing a burglar alarm and better locks on doors and windows can make a difference.

• Install smoke alarms throughout the property.

Where can I find the best deals on non-standard home insurance?

The best way to find competitive non-standard home insurance is to compare quotes from a range of insurers and specialist providers. Because non-standard properties often require individual underwriting, prices and cover levels can vary significantly between insurers.

MoneySuperMarket only compares standard home insurance . It is worth comparing standard home insurance quotes first, to see if your property fits mainstream criteria. If it doesn’t, then you should check out specialist insurers.