What insurers look at when insuring a property:

While insurers will take into account a property’s postcode and susceptibility to flooding, they also assess its claims history, rebuild cost and what materials it is made of. 

Some of the main construction-related factors that determine whether a property will be insured include:

Why certain materials can make a home harder to insure 

A typical building in the UK is constructed from bricks or blocks, which insurers will deem as low risk because these materials are easier to repair.

Timber-frame construction

Buildings constructed from Timber can face higher insurance premiums as insurers often view them as non-standard construction, which can limit the number of providers willing to offer cover. 

Timber is both combustible and prone to water damage. Modern designs will use treatments and fire-safe materials to counteract this risk, but these need to be applied regularly. Repairing timber can be expensive compared to traditional brick-based properties, which insurers may see as a risk, typically charging high premium costs.

Plasterboard internal walls

Standard plasterboard is quick to install, but if it becomes heavily saturated from a burst pipe or flood, it usually needs to be fully removed and replaced. Fortunately, moisture-proof plasterboard exists, which is typically used in areas of the home with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Chipboard flooring and MDF cabinetry

Engineered wood products used in flooring and fitted kitchens can swell and lose their integrity if exposed to water.

This means entire kitchen units or floor sections must be replaced, which increases the size of ‘escape-from-water claims’, which is one of the most common claims in the UK.

Thatched Roofs

Thatched properties carry a higher fire risk compared to typical tiled or slate roofs. While they’re typically not more likely to catch fire than other properties, when a fire does occur, it can spread more rapidly due to the combustible nature of straw or reed. When this happens, it often results in more extensive damage.

As Thatched repairs require specialist materials and skilled thatchers, rebuild costs are typically higher than for tiled or slate roofs, which is why insurers might charge a higher premium for buildings of this type.

Flat or pitched roofs

A flat roof may suffer from water pooling due to wet weather, leading to dampness, leaks, and lasting water damage to a property. Flat roofs can also increase the risk of burglary, as their design makes it easier for thieves to enter a property from the roof. Typically, insurers won’t cover properties with flat roofs as standard, meaning homeowners will need to look elsewhere for cover.

Steel Frames

Homes constructed from steel are more durable, faster to build, pest-free, and moisture-resistant, meaning they will perform well in wet weather. However, as steel is a metal, it conducts heat much more quickly than concrete, so it is crucial to use proper insulation and thermal breaks to prevent energy loss and cold spots.

Steel homes are covered under a Home Insurance plan, but some providers may charge more as they are viewed as ‘non-standard construction’. Premiums for steel frame homes depend on factors like location, build type, size, and cover level.

James Holmes, Managing Director at Validus Construction, said:

“It’s important to note that a building’s material doesn’t necessarily mean it is uninsurable. What insurers are really assessing is how predictable and cost-effective a repair would be if something goes wrong.”

“As insurance claims costs continue to rise, typically due to severe weather, fire risk and the increasing price of materials and labour, Insurers may place greater emphasis on rebuild costs and how straightforward a property will cost to repair. Materials that are less prone to fire, flooding and easier to repair can help reduce an insurer’s uncertainty when insuring a property.”

“For those planning to purchase a property, or are homeowners planning an extension or renovation, it’s always worth considering a property’s durability, fire and resistance and design as this will help lower the premium costs and long-term insurance risk later down the line.”