Thatched properties come with special challenges. Here’s our thatched cottage insurance FAQ, designed to answer the most commonly asked thatch insurance questions.
If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us for a no-obligation discussion about insuring your beautiful thatched home.
Answer:
Yes. Many thatched homes are old and insurance is typically more expensive than for modern tiled houses. This is due to increased claims costs. There are 2 main reasons for this:
Material is more expensive for thatched roof than standard tile/slat roofs. Also, labour costs will be higher given the specialist skills required to repair by much sought after Thatcher’.
The reality is that thatched homes are no more likely to catch fire than conventional homes. However, when they do catch fire, the results can often be a lot more spectacular and cause severe damage given how quickly the fire can spread.
Although insurance is higher than for standard private homes, it should not be exorbitantly so. The best advice is to speak to thatch insurance specialists (like the staff in Thatchline!) who will understand your needs a lot more than standard home insurance providers. At Thatchline, we are thatch broker who can do other home insurance products. Most other personal lines insurance brokers are home insurance providers, who may be able to do thatch insurance. That could be a crucial difference in getting a suitable and value for money thatch insurance policy.
Answer:
In certain scenarios, yes. Please speak to our experts for more info as certain conditions will apply.
Answer:
If you do burn solid fuels, you should have your chimney swept at least twice a year. Once in Autumn before winter usage and again within 6 months. Some providers will also insist that the height of the top of the chimney above the ridge must be at least 1.8 and that the chimney is lined with a suitable material – for example, rigid metal, fire resistant concrete, ceramic including clay & pumice.
Answer:
We cater for properties that are fully (or partially) roofed in a full range of thatch roof constructions including water reed, wheat reed, long straw and fibre.
Answer:
Yes. The thatch roof must have been inspected within the last 10 years by a qualified thatcher.
Answer:
After chimney related issues, electrical faults are 1 of the leading causes of thatched fires. Some insurers insist on an inspections every 10 years and some 5. Either way, take precautions with the likes of aerial leads and supply cables ensuring they are spaced at least 30 cm from the thatch. Any wiring should be fitted by qualified electricians.
No. they can become clogged and so be a fire hazard in themselves
Answer:
Examples include (but not limited to)
For further precautions, you should get advice from the fire service – Make your home safe from fire – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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