Non-Standard Home Insurance
Most homes in Ireland are covered by a standard home insurance policy. But if your property has unusual features or is seen as higher risk by insurers, you may need non-standard home insurance instead.
Homes that don’t fit the usual mold could fall outside standard insurance guidelines, and this means that you may need specialist cover.
What Is Non-Standard Home Insurance?
Non-standard home insurance is a specialist policy which covers you financially for damage, theft or fire which affects your home and its contents.
These policies are offered by insurance providers to homeowners who live in homes which are considered ‘non-standard’.
These homes typically have certain characteristics that either make claims more likely or repair or rebuild costs more expensive in the case of damage, theft or fire.
Common Non-Standard Homes In Ireland
While most Irish homes can be insured with a standard policy, certain traits or features may mean that insurers won’t cover your home under a standard home insurance policy.
You may need to take out non-standard house insurance if your home is:
If a flat roof covers more than 20-30% of the total roof area, insurers may classify the property as higher risk due to potential water pooling and leaks.
Older properties can involve outdated wiring, plumbing or construction materials, increasing repair costs. Recently renovated homes may qualify for standard cover, depending on upgrades completed.
Properties in areas with a history of flooding are more likely to generate water damage claims. Insurers may require specialist underwriting or apply higher excesses.
Homes located in areas of subsidence or where a landslip has previously occurred may be more likely to be damaged and insurers will take this into consideration.
Properties that are vacant for extended periods may face higher risks of theft or vandalism. In many cases, separate holiday home insurance may be more appropriate.
Structural renovation work increases the risk of accidental damage or fire. Temporary specialist cover may be required. Large-scale rebuild projects may require separate course of construction insurance.
Building materials which are non-standard such as timber can cost more to repair. Homes with a bespoke design may also need specialised tradespeople if damage occurs, also driving up repair costs.
Equipment damage and accidents are more common in homes that are also used as business spaces, meaning they might need special insurance cover.
If your home is a Protected Structure under Irish law, your insurance provider may classify it as non-standard. Restoration work often requires specialist materials and tradespeople, increasing costs.
What Does Specialist Home Insurance Cover?
The difference between standard and non-standard home insurance is usually not what is covered, but how the risk is assessed and priced.
Like standard policies, specialist home insurance can cover your home’s structure (buildings cover), your personal belongings (contents cover), or both.
Buildings Cover For Non-Standard Homes
Home insurance policies with buildings cover protects you financially if something happens to the property’s structure. Structural elements included in your buildings cover policy may include:
- Walls
- Roof
- Floors
- Windows
- Doors
- Permanent fittings such as kitchens or wardrobes
Depending on the policy, outbuildings such as sheds and garages may also be included.
Non-standard Home Contents Insurance
Contents cover typically protects:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Clothes
- Personal belongings
Personal belongings can include laptops, phones, bicycles, art and books. However, the level of cover and limits can vary with each policy.
Note: Houses which were built using defective blocks (such as those containing mica or pyrite) in Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and other counties are not covered by home insurance policies for any damage caused by those blocks.
Who Offers Insurance For Non-Standard Homes In Ireland?
Insurance for non-standard homes is offered by some of the main insurance providers, such as AXA and Allianz.
These special policies are generally not advertised directly by providers in Ireland, but homeowners can contact them directly, or speak to a reputable insurance broker.
Brokers will contact an insurance provider on your behalf before providing you with a quote. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find appropriate cover for your property type.
How Much Should You Expect To Pay For Specialist Home Cover?
Non-standard home insurance is typically more expensive than standard cover due to higher perceived risk or increased rebuild costs.
The exact premium of non-standard insurance can vary widely depending on the characteristics of your home. Your insurance provider will consider the unique characteristics of your home when calculating the cost, but the prices quoted by insurers can vary.
This means that comparing home insurance quotes is crucial to ensure you get the best deal for your property.
Yes, specialist home cover usually costs more than standard insurance in Ireland. Homes that require non-standard insurance can have higher repair or construction costs, or may at greater risk of being damaged, broken into or vandalised.
Factors that can increase the cost of home insurance for non-standard homes include:
- Location
- High rebuild or repair costs
- Risk of damage
- Risk of vandalism or theft
- Optional add ons such as high value jewellery
The vast majority of Irish homes can be insured with a normal home insurance policy. But for a minority of people, unusual home insurance is necessary.
Although home insurance is not compulsory, it is recommended for all homeowners and renters in case something goes wrong.
And those with unique or unusual homes are particularly encouraged to be insured – as there is usually a greater risk of damage or theft, or higher rebuild or repair costs.
This is important to bear in mind for non-standard homeowners who live in bespoke properties, who must take increased repair and rebuilding costs into consideration when comparing insurance.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is often the most effective way to reduce the cost of specialist home insurance.
But before you begin to compare quotes, you should first compile a list of everything you want to be covered in your policy. This can range from special contents to extra cover for your garage or shed.
Removing any unnecessary add-ons will mean that you’re not overpaying for anything that you aren’t concerned about losing.
Another way to reduce costs is to increase your home’s security system with CCTV, lighting, and burglary alarms. This will not only keep you and your family safer, but also signals to insurers that your home is less likely to experience a break-in or vandalism.
Security is especially important for vacation homes or unoccupied properties, as cameras, automatic lights, and alarms reassure providers that your property is as protected as possible.
Top tip: Compare your options but don’t under-insure your home to save money in the short term. Insurers will only pay out for what is included in your policy.
Non-Standard Home Insurance FAQ
To find out if your home is a protected building (which may require non-standard insurance) you can check your local authority's Record of Protected Structures which can be found through your county or city council’s official website.
Yes, non-standard insurance can cover unoccupied homes. Holiday homes and those unoccupied for months at a time can have a greater risk of theft or vandalism, and often need specialised insurance for this reason.
The quickest way to get a rebuild cost estimate for your non-standard home is to use an online calculator. To get a more accurate rebuild quote, you can get a Chartered Quantity Surveyor to carry out an in-depth cost assessment.
Yes, flat roof home insurance is a type of non-standard insurance available in Ireland for homes which are built with flat or mostly flat roofs. If a small percentage of your overall roof is flat, i.e. under 20-30%, you may be able to insure your property with standard home insurance.
You can get legal expenses added to your home insurance policy in Ireland in case any legal disputes occur. Standard policies won’t include legal cover automatically, so you must include this as an extra add-on which is likely to increase your premium.
Yes, in most cases insurance providers will charge you more for your premium if your house is ‘non-standard’ in some way, because of perceived increased likelihood of claims or higher costs associated with rebuilding or repairing aspects of your home if it is damaged in a fire or a storm.
