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Non Standard Home Insurance

Non Standard House Insurance

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What is non-standard house insurance?

Specialist or non-standard home insurance provides cover for properties that face a higher risk of damage than standard homes. This can be because of unusual building materials, unique features, or where the home is located. The risks of these homes are not covered by standard home insurance policies. So it’s important to be clear on when this is needed to guarantee your home is properly insured. 

What properties need cover from specialist home insurance brokers?

Any home with features or circumstances not covered by standard home insurers may need specialist cover. Common exclusions are listed below, but these can vary between insurers and policies, so always check the details before you buy.

Construction risks

Homes built with non-traditional materials, like timber, steel, or prefabricated components.

Non-standard roofs

Flat or thatched roofs that require special repair considerations.

Unoccupied homes

Houses left empty beyond the insurer’s allowed period (30-60 days), including those in probate.

Listed or high-value homes

Historic, protected, or particularly valuable properties.

Homes with a subsidence history

Homes that have experienced ground movement or structural issues.

Homes in flood-prone areas

Other property insurance needs

Properties rented out to tenants or used for short-term lets need dedicated landlord insurance.

How much does non-standard home insurance cost?

The prices set by non-standard home insurance companies are tailored to the exact risk of your home and the coverage on your policy. Getting personalised quotes is an accurate way to find out how much you should pay.

Costs compared to standard insurance

Non-standard homes generally cost more to insure than standard properties. This is because premiums reflect both the likelihood of a claim and the potential cost of the claim you make. These costs are more important for homes with permanent unusual features, which may require non-standard construction home insurance. For properties that are only temporarily unoccupied, you could see lower costs once you move back to standard coverage.

What factors affect the cost

Insurers look at a combination of factors to assess risk, including:

  • Your home’s construction materials
  • Your location 
  • Any previous claims or structural issues
  • The cost to rebuild the building
  • The value of your home’s contents
  • Security or alarm systems 
  • Who lives in the home

How to get an accurate quote

It’s essential to get quotes from multiple insurers that are tailored to your needs and circumstances. That way, you know how much it will cost to insure your home, and that you are not paying more than you should. Our quote form gives you access to a range of quotes from multiple insurers quickly.

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What’s covered by non-standard home insurance?

Coverage options

Non-standard house insurance can cover the building, the contents, or both. 

  • Building, policies protect against damage to the structure, including walls, roofs, and permanent fixtures. 
  • Contents cover protects your belongings inside the home. 
  • Combined policies offer both in a single plan, giving broader protection tailored to homes with unusual construction, materials, or features.

Common exclusions

  • Damage caused by wear and tear or deterioration of the property. 
  • Pre‑existing damage or defects that existed before the policy started.
  • Claims related to undeclared risks or misleading information you gave when taking out the policy.
  • Damage caused by pests, vermin, insects or animals.

Add-ons to consider

  • Accidental damage protection for sudden, unexpected damage to the building or contents.
  • Home emergency cover for urgent repairs to plumbing, heating, or electrical systems.
  • Legal cover for disputes related to the property or boundaries. 
  • Extended coverage limits if the amount on the policy does not offer enough protection.
  • Outbuilding and garage cover if it is not included in the policy as standard.

Specialist home insurance FAQs

Do I have to get non-standard home insurance if my home is considered non-standard?

Home insurance isn’t legally required in the UK, but your mortgage lender may insist on it. If you want to protect your home with insurance or meet lending conditions, you’ll need a policy that covers the specific risks of your home. It’s important to be honest with your insurer. Withholding information or misrepresenting your property could invalidate your insurance completely.

Can you get log cabin insurance?

Yes. Log cabins are considered non-standard homes, so you’ll need a policy tailored to their materials and construction. It may come with some specific restrictions for your home, like what fuel you can use to heat the cabin. This is why it is important to find a specialist insurer and check policy details carefully. 

Can I switch back to a standard policy if circumstances change?

This depends on your provider. If, for example, a vacant home becomes occupied, your non-standard home insurer may allow you to downgrade your cover to standard home insurance. However, some might not allow this, or they could charge you a fee to do so. If your circumstances are likely to change, you can speak to your insurer about this before you commit to the policy.

How do I know if my home has non-standard construction?

When you shop at Quotezone, we help filter for this. When you enter the details of your home into our quote form, we will match you to insurers who can offer quotes for your needs, whether those qualify for standard or non-standard insurance. If you are unsure of the building materials or construction details of your home, you could find these on the property deeds, planning documents, or surveyor reports.

How do I get cheap non-standard home insurance?

Premiums are based on the risk your home presents. Some measures that could help you manage costs are comparing quotes from specialist insurers, maintaining the property well, installing security features, and being transparent about all risks. Discounts may also be available if you have a no-claims history.

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