Insurance of Contents in Thatched Properties
The majority of thatch insurance queries we receive seem to be about the buildings and not the contents insurance. Contents insurance is often an overlooked issue and its important that you understand your cover and what insurance is needed to protect your property within your property. At this time of year, what about your Christmas presents?
Valuable antiques, jewellery and electronics are the first things which spring to mind. Do you, and your insurance company know their worth? Are they insured? Don’t wait until something happens to find out your contents insurance is not as it should be. Get the cover right and have peace of mind so you can enjoy your home and its contents.
Thatch Contents
Have a look around your property at the contents. Remember to check with your insurers about your cover to make sure the items are protected as you expect and want them to be. Make sure you have the relevant information which may be required in the event of a claim.
In times of economic difficulty, contents insurance has sometimes been waived in preference of the buildings insurance and this makes sense to many. However, remember that if there is an issue no cover for contents, especially if you have valuable items, can be devastating.
Contents Insurance – Comments from some of our Specialist Insurers
Below are some very helpful comments from our specialist thatch insurers on contents insurance. Click on the heading to link to the insurers contact details.
Brown and Brown
Contents cover can be hard to get for a thatched property, simply because there are greater risks associated with them. Fire and flooding risks are big considerations for thatched homes, and insurance companies will generally want more regulations put in place to prevent these risks.
However, the risks can vary greatly between thatch properties, and so can the requirements for getting insured. It is important to take the time to find an insurance company that is willing to understand your property’s unique circumstances, so you can be confident in knowing that your contents insurance covers everything in your property.
Certis Insurance Brokers
Contents cover in thatched houses
- Where does the sum insured you ask for come from
- Has this just been a figure you thought off hoping it could replace everything
- Ask your broker for contents inventory
- Avoid AVERAGE clause written into insurance policies
- Are my valuables covered when I take them out of the home or abroad
- What article limit applies for a content
- Are Art/Pictures/Sketches/Collections/Photographs/prints covered under the contents or is there a limit
- Jewellery what do I have covered inside or outside the home when wearing or are there policy restrictions
It’s important you understand what your limits that apply.
Lloyd & Whyte
Contents Insurance for thatched properties is essential, as unique heritage homes often contain valuable furnishings and antiques that are expensive and difficult to replace. You may also own rare heirlooms or valuable jewellery and watches which hold sentimental and monetary value.
Specialist Contents Insurance can ensure your personal belongings are protected on a like-for-like basis, covering accidental damage, theft, and loss. Many insurance policies can be tailored to reflect the higher value or rarity of items commonly found in character homes. This cover offers peace of mind, safeguarding both the charm and comfort within your thatched property.
Thatch Assist
What does contents insurance cover?
All the items in your home (and outbuildings) against specific events such as fire and flood.
What is classed as contents?
Turn the house upside down and shake it – what falls out is typically classed as contents
What ‘sum insured’ do you need?
- There’s no average or normal!
- Pour a tea/gin; grab a laptop/paper & pen
- By room (including outbuildings) list all your possessions and their brand new equivalent replacement cost
- The sum insured must accurately reflect this total to avoid being underinsured, which could result in insurer only paying a proportion of any claim.
The Home Insurer
It’s best to buy contents insurance for your thatch home at the same time as the building’s insurance. Buying the two together is cost effective. Only you can answer how much contents insurance you need. Typically, £75k+ to cover contents, including carpets, TV, sofas etc is normal. And don’t forget to insure the all-risk items you have such as jewellery and watches – specify them and they will be covered away from home as well. Anything particularly valuable should be noted on the policy, such as works of art or hearing aids.
Activate Insurance
Homeowners should review their insurance regularly to avoid the risk of under-insurance. Given the time of year, its wise to assess contents limits as completing a room by room itinerary can provide a clearer picture of total values preventing gaps in cover. Pay close attention to high value items such as jewellery, watches, antiques or collections as they may need specifying if they exceed a single article limit. By staying organised and keeping updated itineraries and valuations, you can ensure your home and your possessions remain properly protected throughout the year.
Thatch Cover
Getting your thatched home contents cover right is important to ensure it gives the peace-of-mind you’re paying for.
Ensuring the correct sum insured is key, based on new-for-old replacement. However, insurers differ in what they include or charge extra for.
Coverage policies vary on include:
- Accidental damage
- Items in the open & outbuildings
- Fine art, antiques & collections
- High-value items & single-article limits
- Personal possessions away from home
- Security requirements (doors, windows, alarms & safes)
With accurate information and the right guidance, it becomes much easier to find the insurer whose cover, terms and price best suit your individual circumstances.
To Conclude on Contents Insurance
In conclusion, it’s a good idea to have a look around your property at the contents. Remember to check with your insurers about your cover to make sure the items are protected as you expect and want them to be as well as making sure you have the relevant information which may be required in the event of a claim.
The guidance from our Associates above explains contents insurance very well. It is broad ranging and varied so covers a lot of potential queries you may have when looking at your thatched property and contents insurance. We are very grateful for their specialist input.