The material used for the roof of the property matters greatly as often if unusual materials have been used, repair and maintenance costs can be more expensive, particularly if it is thatched or constructed from metal/glass. Sometimes specialist techniques are needed to fix any issues and that can also be costly. Flat roofs have a greater risk of water damage and leaks which presents a higher risk for insurance.

Building materials really impact the cost of insurance especially if it contains non-standard materials. This is due to the fact that these material costs usually are more expensive and they may have a higher risk of damage particularly if it is made from timber/thatch. Specialised maintence and repair work also drives up the cost as often there is a lack of standardisation with these non-standard materials therefore labour costs tend to be higher when carrying out fixes. The structure of the building can also have an impact as some materials may not be as long lasting and can be more prone to damp. 

The quantity of rooms/bathrooms helps the insurer assess the overall cost to rebuild and replace your home in the case of a total loss. Larger homes generally cost more to rebuild as they need more materials, time and labour. High end finishes can also drive costs up so your home's value and insurance needs to reflect that. More bathrooms also means there is a greater risk of water damage which is one of the most popular insurance claims.

You can still obtain home insurance however a flat roof does limit your options when it comes to providers as some insurers view it has much riskier as a result of water pooling and the potential for leaks. There may be a higher premiums as there is also an increased risk of weather damage plus the material used can also have an impact - well maintained roofs are easier to insure. If only part of your roof is flat, some insurers may be more accepting of that. 

Subsidence is a type of ground movement i.e. downward movement of the ground supporting your home. It's usually caused by issues such as clay shrinkage, mining activities, or leaking drains which can cause structural changes over time

Things to look out for are new or expanding cracks in walls particularly around doors and windows. If you notice any doors/windows sticking out without reason that can also raise alarm bells. If your home is located in an area with a history of mining, have large trees/shrubs near the foundations or is built upon clay soil, that also presents a greater risk.

Ground heave is the upward movement of the ground beneath a property caused by soil expansion following changes in moisture levels. It is a common problem in construction and engineering. Clay rich soils have a particularly high risk as they expand when moist and shrink when dry which changes the ground levels. Tree removal means the roots are no longer absorbing the excess water that can boost moisture levels in the surrounding soil and lead to swelling. Ground heave can lead to cracks in buildings, uneven floors and even structural instability. 

If a property is in a good state of repair, it is well maintained, functional and free from defects and damage. It is safe, operational and meets safety standards so no leaks, structural damage or faulty wiring.

Joints Contracts Tribunal contracts are standard forms of construction contracts which provide a legal framework for construction projects. They outline rights and responsiblities of all parties involved and there are various types depending on the project type and procurement route. 

Underpinned means that the property needed to be reinforced and strengthened overall to stabilize it's foundations. Usually a property needs underpinned as a result of subsidence (where the ground underneath the property causes the foundations to sink). It can also be required if there are structural issues or additional support is required due to some modifications of weight in the property.

Having British Standard locks fitted to external doors and windows is looked upon favourably by insurance providers. Approved locks are door locks that have been accepted by insurance companies as standard locks. There are 3 main kinds of locks - mortice deadlock, a key operated multipoint locking unit or night latch as well as key operated window locks. The more levers a lock has, the more secure it tends to be so many insurers usually accept locks with 5 levers. To check what lock you have, look at the door in question and check the lock mechanism - deadbolt/knob lock/lever handle lock/mortice lock/smart lock.

Understanding cover limitations and exclusions is essential. Our unoccupied home insurance offers comprehensive protection for a wide range of risks.

Certain limitations and exclusions exist however which may include damages due to wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, and certain natural disasters.

Specific exclusions can also apply to properties left vacant for more extended periods without periodic inspection or certain security measures in place.

Premiums for unoccupied home insurance are higher than those for standard home insurance due to the increased risks associated with these types of home being left vacant. Our team are here to help you assess your home and your unique circumstances to ensure we can offer our most competitive price. 

Holiday home insurance is needed to insure against the unique risks associated with holiday homes. Holiday homes tend to be left unoccupied for extended periods of time and so are at greater risk from vandalism, theft and weather damage. As a result holiday home insurance is a little more specialist than standard home insurance.

Of course.  We can provide extensive cover for both the building and the contents of your holiday home, ensuring it is well-protected against a variety of risks.

Unfortunately we don't provide cover for holiday homes abroad. We can only cover holiday homes based here in the UK.

Absolutely. Our holiday home insurance provides both buildings and contents insurance cover.

Second home insurance is for a home that isn't your main residence.  It helps protect against vacancy periods, vandalism, and weather damage. Standard home insurance typically doesn't cover scenarios such like this and may also have limitations.

As with all home insurance, the price depends in various factors including as location, value, the size of your second home, its construction type, the chosen level of coverage, and claims history.

It is possible - our team should be able to help yu with this. If you plan to leave your second home empty for an extended period, you may need to notify your insurer resulting in an adjustment to your policy.  

Probate is the process of dealing with the estate of someone after their death. It often involves a home as well as clearing any debts and distributing any assets in accordance with their will. 

It's likely you will need insurance cover cover if the home is still in the deceased’s name, or if it’s unoccupied for an extended period. Whilst standard home insurance may already be in place, it's unlikely to cover you for more than 30 days of unoccupancy.

Usually yes as unlike standard home insurance policies which have time limits around unoccupancy, probate home insurance covers and protects your financial liability. During probate, the house might be empty for longer which increases the risk of damage from leaks, pests, or break-ins. 

As with all house insurance it depends on various factors. For probate home insurance the cost also depends on the size and location of the home, length of coverage needed and  risks you want to cover.

Normally it is the executor of the deceased’s estate to make sure the home is protected while in their care and meets their legal obligation to safeguard the estate.

Probate home insurance covers issues such as water damage from pipes, fire damage, theft, vandalism, as well as storm damage. 

If the home is not in your name, you will need to provide proof that you have an ‘insurable interest’ in the property and are an executor/trustee. The policy can then be issued in your name without any additional policyholders being listed. 

Flood Re is re-insurance scheme. It's a joint initiative between the UK Government and insurers aiming to make flood cover more affordable for homeowners living in flood-prone areas.

Every insurer offering home insurance pays into the Flood Re scheme. This means that when you buy insurance cover, your insurer can opt to ring fence the flood risk aspect of your policy and pass it over to Flood Re for a fixed price which helps to keep premiums down.

You can check whether your home is in a flood risk area by visiting your local Environment Agency's website to view their detailed flood maps based on the location of your home.  

Local government websites often also hold flood risk information; Scotland’s SEPA, Wales’ Natural Resources, or Northern Ireland’s DFI. You may also wish to consult a surveyor to assess your risk level as knowing the flood risk status can help you in deciding upon the level of cover you might need. 

If your home sits within a flood risk area, your policy would seek to cover you for various types of flooding e.g. surface water flooding, river and coastal flooding, and flooding caused by rainwater runoff.

If there is a history of flooding it's vital that you purchase a policy that includes flood cover.

Whilst incredibly beautiful, these homes can have a greater fire risk as timber is highly combustible plus the materials and methods used in the construction process can present additional challenges. R

Repairs require specialists which can be costly and timber homes are also more susceptible to decay therefore requiring greater maintenance. Overall their unique construction means that standard home insurance doesn't provide sufficient cover. 

We offer home insurance for a wide range of timber framed homes from listed buildings to more modern builds and eco-friendly constructions. 

As with all home insurance it depends on various factors. For timber framed home insurance the cost also depends on the size and type of home, condition of the timber itself, home location and claims history.

Absolutely. Our specialist cover can protect your home whatever Grade Listing your property has.

Of course.  Unlike standard home insurance, we provide extensive cover for steel framed homes that's tailored to your property and it's architectural design.

It is however you must ensure you have adequate cover in place to safeguard your home against risks associated with it being unoccupied. 

Whether it's a minor refurbishment project such as updating a kitchen or a major structural project involving an extension, or even reworking your entire home, our cover protects you for a range of renovations.

If you have our specialist renovation cover in place, you are protected even if your home is unoccupied.