The Various Occupiers of Thatched Properties
The sixth article in our series, this time on Thatch Insurance and Occupiers. It is important to realise the difference on those occupying a thatched property, when it comes to insurance. It may be the actual homeowner, a longstanding tenant or even a holiday let. The insurance can vary depending on the occupants and so can their requirements.
Insurers Points on Occupiers
We asked our panel of specialist thatch insurers for some wise words on the occupier topic and here’s the useful and interesting responses.
Lloyd & Whyte Heritage
You will need Buildings & Contents Insurance if you own your home. If you rent your property from a landlord, they will be responsible for the Buildings Insurance. You will, however, need to arrange Contents Insurance for everyday items, furniture and valuables.
If you own a thatched holiday home, suitable insurance is required to protect you as the homeowner to cover areas such as paying guests, unoccupancy etc. This can easily be arranged through your insurer.
Certis Insurance
- All thatch owners should book there twice a year sweep as per the guidelines on their policy schedule
- Tenants in thatch houses-make sure your landlord has an Electrical condition report without requirements
- Holiday home and AIRBNB make sure a third party is always available to get to the home with keys and inspected log kept.
- Non clerical businesses try to keep the access to the business not through the main home. Separate gates, outbuildings
- Message to all owners – diary your ECR on a mobile phone or iPad as reminder with a forward date.
Just Quote Me
Thatch insurance is essential for protecting thatched properties, which are more susceptible to fire and weather damage. The type of occupier—whether owner, tenant, holiday guest, or business—affects the level of risk and the cover required.
Owners typically need comprehensive buildings and contents cover, while tenants may only need contents insurance. Holiday lets and business-use thatched buildings require tailored policies that account for increased footfall or unoccupied periods. Insurers often request specific fire safety measures. It’s vital to declare the correct occupancy type to ensure adequate protection and avoid invalidating your policy.
Thatch Cover
Insurance policies can differ significantly depending on how a property is used whether it’s your main residence, a second home, holiday let, professional let, unoccupied, used for business, undergoing renovation, or a combination of these. The type of occupancy can influence both the terms, and the level of cover provided, including permissions around features such as open fires or wood-burning stoves. Any future changes may also affect your policy, so it’s important to inform your insurer in advance.
Working with a broker who has access to a wide range of insurers can help ensure you obtain the most suitable cover.
Thank you
Many thanks to our specialist insurers for their input on this topic. It is surprising how many enquiries we get regarding different occupiers of thatch and insurance implications.
We are pleased to have insurance experts with knowledge (and policies) to assist with this article and with the variety of insurance cover required.