Non Standard Property Insurance
  • Compare non-standard property insurance through specialist brokers
  • Cover options for unusual construction and listed buildings
  • Policies designed for specialist materials and rebuild risks
  • Quick form to connect with experienced brokers

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Why Use QuoteSearcher for Non-Standard Property Insurance?

Properties built using unusual materials or construction methods can be more difficult to insure through standard home insurance policies. Insurers may assess these buildings differently due to potential rebuild costs, maintenance requirements, or specialist repair work.

QuoteSearcher introduces property owners to brokers who regularly arrange insurance for non-standard properties. By completing a short form on our site, you can be connected with brokers who will review the construction type, age of the building and any specialist features before outlining suitable insurance options.

This approach allows you to explore cover options through brokers experienced in non-standard property risks, without needing to contact multiple insurers individually.

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Quick quote, no hassle and saved £700!

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Fantastic can't fault in any way, would use time and again and recommend to all!

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Found the site easy to use, had good feedback from four companies, all very competitive.

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Very good and easy to use, this has not only saved me money but also saved me a lot of phone calls and time, thank you.

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Excellent service and delivered quicker than the website said. Have bought and will buy much more from here. Prices very competitive and often much cheaper. Yet to find something I want that they don't have.

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Thought they were very good there was no need to ring around and I found what I was looking for.

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What Is Non-Standard Property Insurance?

A property is generally considered non-standard when it is built using materials or methods that differ from conventional brick walls and tiled roofs.

This may include properties with unusual structural elements, heritage features or specialist roofing materials. Because repairs and rebuilds may require specialist trades or materials, insurers often assess these buildings differently from standard homes.

Non-Standard Property Insurance Policy Features

Please note that cover will always vary depending on the property and insurer, but policies may include the following:

Building and Contents Cover

Protection for the structure of the property as well as internal fixtures, fittings and contents following insured events such as fire, flooding or storm damage. Find out more about Building and Contents Cover.

Structural Damage Cover

May include protection for issues such as subsidence, landslip or ground heave, depending on policy terms.

Damage from Fire, Weather or Vandalism

Cover for damage caused by fire, extreme weather, storms, or malicious acts.

Liability Cover

Property owners’ liability cover may assist with legal costs and compensation if a third party suffers injury or property damage connected to the property.

Types of Non-Standard Property Construction

Certain building methods are commonly classified as non-standard by insurers.

Non-Combustible Pre-Fabricated Homes

Often referred to as prefabricated or “prefab” properties, these homes are manufactured in sections off-site and assembled on location. While modern prefabricated homes can be large and complex structures, earlier examples may require specialist insurance due to construction methods and materials used.

Steel-Framed Properties

Steel frames offer strong structural support and are resistant to rot or decay. However, older steel-framed properties may contain materials such as asbestos insulation, which insurers may need to take into account when assessing risk.

Timber-Framed Properties

Timber-framed homes use a structural wooden frame rather than a solid brick internal structure. External walls may be finished with brick, stone, render or timber cladding, giving the appearance of a conventional home.

Wattle and Daub Construction

One of the oldest known building techniques, wattle and daub uses a timber framework filled with a mixture of mud, straw and other natural materials. Because repairs often require specialist methods and materials, insurance for these buildings is usually arranged through specialist brokers.

refurbishment of home

Non-Standard Roofing Types

Roof construction can also affect how insurers assess a property.

Flat Roofs

Flat roofs can be more prone to water pooling and leaks if not maintained regularly. Insurers may ask about inspection schedules and roofing materials before offering cover.

Shingle Roofs

Shingle roofs use overlapping rectangular tiles or panels that create a weather-resistant surface. Older properties may use copper or lead underlays, while modern installations often use synthetic materials.

Thatched Roofs

Thatched roofs are constructed using layers of dried vegetation such as straw, reed or heather. Because thatch presents a higher fire risk than conventional roofing materials, insurers often require specialist thatched property policies.

Listed Buildings and Heritage Properties

A listed building is one that appears on the UK Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest. These properties are legally protected and repairs or alterations usually require specific permissions.

Listed buildings are classified into three main categories:

Grade I – Buildings of exceptional historical or architectural importance.
Grade II* – Particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II – Buildings of special interest that should be preserved.

Because repairs must often use traditional materials and specialist craftsmanship, rebuild costs for listed properties can be significantly higher than standard buildings.

Other Factors That Can Affect Non-Standard Property Insurance

Several factors may influence the availability and cost of insurance for non-standard properties:

  • Unusual construction materials
  • Specialist roofing types
  • Property age
  • Historic or listed building status
  • High rebuild costs
  • Environmental risks such as flooding or subsidence

Properties that remain unoccupied for long periods may require separate unoccupied property insurance, while second homes or rental properties may need holiday home insurance or landlord insurance depending on how they are used.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NON STANDARD PROPERTY INSURANCE

    • What is a non-standard property?
      If it isn’t bricks and mortar, the chances are it is classed as a non standard material. Examples of this include: flint, timber frame, corrugated iron, steel, glass, prefab (combustible and non-combustible)
    • Why do I need non-standard property insurance?
      The reason regular home insurance does not cover non standard properties is to do with risk and cost. Certain non standard features, such as a thatched roof, are far more expensive for the insurer to repair than the standard equivalent. They are also likely to be at greater risk of damage than a bricks and mortar house. For example. a timber framed house would suffer more extensive damage in a fire than a brick building.

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