What Insurance Do I Need for a Thatched Home or Property?
At Higos, we love providing house insurance for thatched properties. Thatched roofs are a staple of British culture and they have a distinctive charm and character.
Aside from being stylish, thatched roofs also offer practical benefits, from natural insulation to their use of eco-friendly materials. However, owning a thatched property also comes with a great deal of responsibility and maintenance needs. If you are a thatch owner yourself, you likely understand the care and commitment required to preserve this unique style.
As a specialist thatched roof insurance broker, we at Higos know how to find you a tailored thatched roof insurance policy. We tailor our personal insurance cover around each homeowner to make sure you get the appropriate cover.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of owning a thatched property and what kind of personal insurance you might require.
What Are the Benefits of a Thatched Roof?
Thatched roofing has a rich history in England, dating back to the Bronze Age when people used wheat or straw to insulate the tops of their houses. Roofing techniques have come a long way since then, but the unique properties of thatched roofs still offer remarkable advantages today.
One of the standout benefits of thatched roofs is their natural insulation. They help keep homes warm during winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. This natural temperature regulation can even lead to lower energy bills over time.
Thatched roofs are also very durable. When properly maintained, a thatched roof can last upwards of 60 years, making it a long-term investment that pays off in both style and resilience.
Another real advantage is thatched roofs are environmentally friendly. Thatching materials, such as reeds, are typically grown and harvested without machinery and are often sourced from local rural areas.
Beyond their practical benefits, thatched roofs add great character and charm to a building, especially in rural countryside settings. Their traditional appearance can really enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, connecting it to the heritage and beauty of the landscape.
Why Do I Need Thatched Roof House Insurance?
If you own a thatched property, having the right level of thatched house insurance is essential. Thatched roofs, while certainly beautiful and charming, nevertheless come with a number of key considerations. A personal insurance policy designed for thatched properties can provide the coverage needed to safeguard your home.
One of the main reasons to invest in thatched roof insurance is the potential fire risk. The materials used in thatched roofing, such as straw and reed, are more flammable than standard roofing materials and require specialist coverage. While preventative measures and maintenance such as lining chimneys and applying fire retardants can reduce this risk, nothing will remove the risk entirely. Thatch insurance therefore provides a safety net, covering potential damage that may occur despite these precautions.
Is House Insurance for Thatched Properties More Expensive?
Generally, house insurance for thatched properties does tend to be more expensive than standard house insurance. This is due to a combination of factors, including the increased fire risk, the higher cost of maintenance, and the specialist expertise required to work on a thatched roof. These unique characteristics make thatched properties a greater risk, which often translated to higher premiums.
Insurers may also require that certain precautions be taken before providing a thatched roof insurance policy. For example, you might be asked to have your electrical wiring inspected or to ensure a specific number of fire extinguishers are located within the property. These measures are designed to reduce the potential risk and help protect your home.
At Higos, we recognise that each homeowner’s needs are unique. With this in mind, we tailor our personal insurance policies to your specific needs and circumstances. For thatched house insurance, we take the time to understand your situation in detail and work to find a competitive quote, balancing protection with affordability.
What Are the Advantages of Thatched Roof Insurance?
Taking out thatched roof insurance offers several important benefits for homeowners. First and foremost, it provides peace of mind, ensuring that you’re covered if an incident occurs at your property. Thatched homes come with unique risks, and having specialised insurance can make all the difference.
At Higos, we have access to specialist thatch markets, as well as having our own thatched property insurance scheme with a leading UK thatch insurer. Within our own thatch property insurance scheme, we can offer the following:
- A fully funded chimney survey for solid fuel stoves
- A fire risk assessment if your chimney is used by solid fuel stoves
In the event of a claim, repair costs can be expensive due to the specialist skills required for thatched roofing work. With thatched house insurance, these potential costs are covered, so you don’t have to pay over the odds out of your own pocket.
Are you interested in taking out thatched roof house insurance? Our team of friendly experts will guide you through the whole process from start to finish. You can speak to our thatched roof insurance team by calling 01458 675522 or by filling out our online call back form.