What makes a home non-standard?
Standard cover can be denied for various reasons – usually because of a feature or characteristic that means that a home needs specialist underwriting.
Note: Insurers may also decline standard coverage to individuals with a history of bankruptcy or criminal convictions.
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Common non-standard homes
Most houses in Ireland are built with stone or brick and have a pitched slate or tile roof, but there are thousands of homes that don’t fit this mould. Common homes that don’t qualify for standard cover include:
Flat roofs are prone to damage from water pooling and tend to need regular maintenance to combat leaks and deterioration. Most standard policies will cover homes with less than 20% flat roofing. Any more than that, and you will likely need a non-standard policy.
Modular homes, log cabins, Shomeras, prefab properties, and timber houses are not always covered under standard home insurance policies. Finding an insurer that understands these alternative building types is key.
If your home is a protected structure under Irish law, modernising your property is restricted. Preserving the historical character of the home while upgrading amenities can be highly complex and costly.
Standard home insurance policies usually restrict coverage if your home is vacant for more than 30 – 60 consecutive days. Holiday home or mobile home insurance may be more appropriate in some cases where homes are left vacant.
Homes over 100 years old may require specialist tradespeople or materials because of outdated construction methods. Properties that have been modernised may qualify for standard cover, depending on the extent of the upgrades.
With just 2,000 thatched cottages remaining in Ireland, protecting thatched roofs against fire, storms and damage is vital. A standard policy won’t cover its unique needs, since repairs and replacement can be costly.
If your home was made using innovative, low-impact materials or construction methods – be it a green roof or structural insulated panels – then it will require a tailored underwriting approach to ensure it gets the right level of coverage.
Defective Blocks: Thousands of homes across Donegal, Mayo, Clare, Limerick, and Sligo were built using defective concrete blocks containing mica or pyrite. These homes are not covered for any damage caused by these blocks.
Types of non-standard home insurance
There are three main forms of cover with bespoke home insurance:
Buildings cover protects the property’s physical structure, i.e. the walls, roof, windows, doors and permanent fixtures such as a fitted kitchen and bathroom.
This will protect any loss or damage to the contents of your home i.e. your furniture, clothes, electronics, and valuables such as jewellery and bicycles.
A combined home insurance policy is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to protect both the structure of your house and your belongings.
Cost of non-standard home insurance
Standard home insurance in Ireland typically falls between €400 and €600 – but insurance for high-risk homes is usually more expensive. Increased risk means higher premiums are needed to cover potential losses.
The cost can vary significantly when it comes to non-standard cover because underwriters must calculate specialist premiums on a case-by-case basis.
Factors that can increase the cost of home insurance for non-standard homes include:
- Where you live
- High rebuild or repair costs
- Risk of damage
- Risk of vandalism or theft
- Optional add-ons such as protection for expensive jewellery
Note: Providing inaccurate information to your insurer may result in a lower premium, but it also leaves you vulnerable if your actual losses exceeded your coverage limit.
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What information is needed to get a quote?
A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works when it comes to non-traditional homes. An underwriter must make a tailor-made assessment based on your property’s specific risk profile. This can make securing quotes a lengthy process.
Before you approach insurers, it is best to have the following information about your property ready to go:
- Main construction materials
- Construction year
- Number of rooms
- Occupancy status
- Property and contents value
- Address and Eircode
Top tip: Always read the fine print and ask about issues that might be relevant to your specific circumstances, i.e. if you have a flat roof, enquire about water damage limits.
What to look for in a specialist policy?
By choosing the right specialty insurance, you can safeguard your non-standard home against damage and destruction.
So when navigating the market, always read the fine print and ask providers about any issues relevant to your property, such as:
Unique materials: If your home was built using atypical materials, i.e. timber frame or wattle and daub, then it’s crucial to ensure they are fully covered under your policy.
Exclusions and limits: Be aware of any exclusions and water damage or flood risk limits, especially if you live in an afflicted area.
Conditions: Some providers have strict maintenance requirements for flat roof properties and may ask that the roof be inspected and maintained regularly.
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Who offers non-standard home insurance in Ireland?
Due to the complexity involved in assessing the risk of non-standard properties, not all insurance companies will cover them.
While insurance for non-standard homes is offered by some of the main providers, these specialist policies are generally not advertised directly. Homeowners can contact providers directly, or compare their options by getting a free quote today.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, some insurers may decline cover if they consider the property too high risk. Common reasons include:
- Severe flood or subsidence exposure
- Long-term unoccupancy
- An extensive claims history
If you’ve been refused cover, you can make your home more insurable by sharing up-to-date professional surveys and structural engineering reports, and getting a rebuild valuation.
Some homes appear to be solid brick but are actually built using brick veneer construction. Brick veneer homes may also have hollow-sounding walls and shallower window sills. If you are unsure, a builder or surveyor should be able to confirm the construction type.
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