Thatch Insurance: 5 Top Tips
When it comes to thatch insurance, look after your thatch, and your thatch will look after you. Here are 5 simple things to keep on top of when looking to insure a thatched property.
Get a Quote
Looking for an attractive quote for thatch insurance?
Insuring a thatch property is no different than other types of non-standard home insurance, in that it pays to be attractive to underwriters. There is nothing underwriters find more appealing that than low risk and thankfully there are things that you can do within your thatched home to lower risk.
Take necessary fire precautions
The minute you mention a thatched home, most people think ‘fire risk’ when in fact, thatch doesn’t automatically go up in a puff of expensive smoke at the mere strike of a match. The compact nature of thatching can actually make it harder to burn – imagine trying to set fire to a tightly closed book. Taking sensible precautions against fire, and telling your insurers all about them, is a must when looking for thatch insurance.
Consider your security
Today’s thatched homes are so beautiful and often in sought after, affluent areas. Taking the necessary security precautions and telling your insurer all about them is always advisable. Things to think about include:
Get a Quote
Look after your electrics
Old, sub-standard and poorly maintained electrical wiring has been the ruin of many a thatched home in the past and so naturally makes underwriters very nervous. Subdue their fears by making the effort to regularly check your wiring, make sure that you have the necessary safety certification and remember to get electrical wiring in your home checked and passed by a professional at least every 10-15 years. Underwriters appreciate this sort of thing and more importantly, it’s practical peace of mind or you.
Keep on top of maintenance
Keeping on top of maintenance in your thatched property is very important. Key areas to consider are:
Pests – squirrels, bats, mice, birds and rats, all can cause havoc in thatched roofs. Do what you can to be vigilant for pests and deal with any incursions quickly.
Chimneys – if you have an open fire or wood burner in a thatched home it’s recommended that you have the chimney swept around every 6 months. It’s important to keep flues clear since a build-up of heat and heat transference can lead to catastrophe.
General maintenance – keep your thatch well maintained. Depending on the type, fit and quality of your thatch it can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. Looking after it will help. Regularly check your thatch for signs of wear and tear and keep plants and overhanging trees away from it – these can prevent it drying properly. Replace the ridge when required.
Get a Quote
Choose your insurer wisely
If you take great care of your thatch, you need an insurer who will appreciate your efforts and be able to tailor a policy to your home accordingly. At the very least you need an insurer who knows what you’re talking about and who has an understanding of the properties of thatch.
Choosing a specialist insurer with years of experience insuring thatched homes can make all the difference. At Highworth Insurance you can talk to our knowledgeable Account Managers about thatch insurance Monday to Friday between 9am and 6:30pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 12:30pm. They will be able to give a realistic quote for your thatched property on: 01202 937430.
Get a Quote
Looking for an attractive quote for thatch insurance?
Insuring a thatch property is no different than other types of non-standard home insurance, in that it pays to be attractive to underwriters. There is nothing underwriters find more appealing that than low risk and thankfully there are things that you can do within your thatched home to lower risk.
Take necessary fire precautions
The minute you mention a thatched home, most people think ‘fire risk’ when in fact, thatch doesn’t automatically go up in a puff of expensive smoke at the mere strike of a match. The compact nature of thatching can actually make it harder to burn – imagine trying to set fire to a tightly closed book. Taking sensible precautions against fire, and telling your insurers all about them, is a must when looking for thatch insurance.
- Make sure you have good (preferably hardwired) fire alarms on at least every floor, including the loft.
- Consider a residential sprinkler system.
- Install heat detectors in the thatch and around your chimney.
- It you’re having your roof re-thatched, install a fire barrier between the timbers and the thatch.
- Have your thatch sprayed with a fire retardant spray. Internal sprays should only require one application, external sprays need to be reapplied roughly every 10 years, but checked every 5 years. Make sure you get a certificate from whoever carries out the application, detailing the solution used and show it to your insurers.
Consider your security
Today’s thatched homes are so beautiful and often in sought after, affluent areas. Taking the necessary security precautions and telling your insurer all about them is always advisable. Things to think about include:
- An alarm system
- Security lighting
- Lockable, preferably double glazed windows
(we realise this is not always possible if your thatched home is a listed building and/or in a conservation area)
Get a Quote
Look after your electrics
Old, sub-standard and poorly maintained electrical wiring has been the ruin of many a thatched home in the past and so naturally makes underwriters very nervous. Subdue their fears by making the effort to regularly check your wiring, make sure that you have the necessary safety certification and remember to get electrical wiring in your home checked and passed by a professional at least every 10-15 years. Underwriters appreciate this sort of thing and more importantly, it’s practical peace of mind or you.
Keep on top of maintenance
Keeping on top of maintenance in your thatched property is very important. Key areas to consider are:
Pests – squirrels, bats, mice, birds and rats, all can cause havoc in thatched roofs. Do what you can to be vigilant for pests and deal with any incursions quickly.
Chimneys – if you have an open fire or wood burner in a thatched home it’s recommended that you have the chimney swept around every 6 months. It’s important to keep flues clear since a build-up of heat and heat transference can lead to catastrophe.
General maintenance – keep your thatch well maintained. Depending on the type, fit and quality of your thatch it can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. Looking after it will help. Regularly check your thatch for signs of wear and tear and keep plants and overhanging trees away from it – these can prevent it drying properly. Replace the ridge when required.
Get a Quote
Choose your insurer wisely
If you take great care of your thatch, you need an insurer who will appreciate your efforts and be able to tailor a policy to your home accordingly. At the very least you need an insurer who knows what you’re talking about and who has an understanding of the properties of thatch.
Choosing a specialist insurer with years of experience insuring thatched homes can make all the difference. At Highworth Insurance you can talk to our knowledgeable Account Managers about thatch insurance Monday to Friday between 9am and 6:30pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 12:30pm. They will be able to give a realistic quote for your thatched property on: 01202 937430.
To discuss your insurance needs with an experienced account manager please call 01202 937430 or apply online to get an instant quote