What is non-standard home insurance?

Most home insurance policies in the UK are built for ‘standard’ homes, but not every home is considered standard. Whether your home is built with timber frames, has a flat roof or is a listed building, many properties will fall outside what is considered to be ‘standard’ in insurance.

If your home is constructed from unusual materials (i.e. is not of brick-and-mortar construction), has an unusual design or sits in a location that makes it more complex to insure, such as an area prone to flooding, well, this is where non-standard insurance comes into play.

In this guide, we look at what a non-standard home is and why it may affect the type of insurance you need so whether you’re in the process of buying, inheriting or already living in a non-standard property you’ll know what to look for in an insurance policy.

In insurance terms, a standard home is one that’s built with brick or stone walls and a roof made of tiles or slate. This is the typical kind of construction most policies are designed to cover.

A non-standard home could be:

• Made from different materials

• Have an unusual design

• Be located somewhere that makes it more challenging to insure, like a flood-prone area, a place with a risk of subsidence, or a conservation zone.

• Unoccupied

• A listed building

Sometimes it might not just be the property that means you need more specialist property insurance, you may have personal circumstances that affect the type of policy you need such as previous claims, convictions, CCJs, etc.

The need for non-standard insurance doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your property. Many non-standard homes are full of character, history or cutting-edge design. However, from an insurer’s point of view, they can come with different risks and requirements, which means they need a different kind of policy.

Non-standard construction insurance covers properties that come in all shapes, materials and ages. Here are some of the most common types of non-standard construction and what they mean for your insurance.

Timber frame homes
These homes use a wooden framework instead of brick or block walls. While strong and long-lasting when properly maintained, timber frames are more vulnerable to rot, fire and pest damage, so they require specialist home insurance.

Steel frame homes
Often built in the mid-20th century, these homes use a metal structure that’s strong and rot resistant. However, older versions may have insulation issues or contain asbestos, which can affect repairs and rebuilds.

Wattle and daub / cob homes
Traditional and often historic, these homes use natural materials like clay, straw and timber. Their unique construction means repairs need expert knowledge, and insurers will consider the property’s heritage value.

Non-combustible prefabs
Built mainly after World War II, these fixed, immobile homes use materials like concrete or steel. While durable, their design can be restrictive, and they may face lingering perceptions of being temporary or low value.

Flat roof homes
A home with a flat or mostly flat roof is often classed as non-standard. These roofs can be more prone to leaks and weather damage, so insurers assess their condition and drainage carefully.

Shingle roofs
Shingle roofs come in materials like wood or asphalt. Depending on the type, they can wear faster or carry a higher fire risk. This makes them different from traditional tiled roofs in the eyes of insurers.

Homes in conservation areas
If your property is in a protected area, you’ll face stricter planning and repair rules. This can affect rebuild costs and make standard policies unsuitable for your needs.

Eco homes and green technology
Homes with solar panels, heat pumps or wind turbines may be classed as non-standard. While they’re energy-efficient, the cost and availability of replacement parts can complicate claims and valuations.

The way your home is built has a big impact on how insurers assess risk. If your home is non-standard, it could need specialist assessments, specific materials or expert tradespeople in the event of a claim. That’s why standard home insurance might not offer the right protection.

Without the right cover, you could face delays, disputes, or unexpected costs. Many mortgage lenders also require non-standard property insurance before they’ll approve a loan. Whether you’re buying a home or already living in one, having the right policy in place can give you peace of mind.

Non-standard home insurance is designed to meet the specific needs of unusual or complex properties, including:

• Rebuild and repair cover using original or specialist materials

• Protection against common risks like fire, flood, storm and subsidence

• Liability cover in case someone is injured, or their property is damaged

This type of insurance is tailored to the risks that come with your particular home. Whether it’s sourcing rare materials or meeting heritage rules, a specialist policy helps to make sure that you’re properly covered if something goes wrong.

Finding insurance for a non-standard home or flat doesn’t have to be difficult but it does take a bit of preparation. These are five practical steps to help you get started insuring a non-standard home:

1. Know your property’s details — Find out about the materials used in your home’s construction and when it was built.

2. Keep records handy — Survey reports, maintenance logs and planning documents can help insurers assess your property accurately.

3. Be upfront with your insurer — Share all relevant information at the start. Omitting details could affect your cover or delay claims.

4. Consider a rebuild cost valuation — This gives a more accurate picture of what it would cost to restore your home using the right materials.

5. Speak to a specialist broker — If you’re unsure, a broker can help match you with the right policy for your specific home.

The key is to treat insurance like any part of maintaining your home: stay informed, keep good records, and ask for help when needed.

At Everywhen, we understand that not every home in the country will be classed as a standard construction. That’s why we offer specialist home insurance for a wide range of non-standard properties.

Our non-standard home policies are tailored to your home’s unique risks and features, with support from experts who know the market inside out. Call us on 0345 266 8576 or get a quote online.