Thatched Roof Insurance Explained
Why do I need specialist thatch roof insurance? What are the extra risks of a thatched roof and what should I know before I buy? Get to grips with the most important insurance policy you might have with our thatched insurance guide.

What is thatched roof insurance?
Thatched roof insurance is a specialist insurance policy designed for properties with a complete or partial thatched home. The policy will also cover the entire property so you don’t need a separate policy for that.
What’s wrong with just having standard home insurance?
A thatched roof building faces a higher risk of fire than a standard tile roof. This highlights the main difference between the two and the reason it needs a specialist policy. There is usually a different set of exclusions that go along with a thatched policy too, this is because the extra fire risk means insurers require you to have fire precautions and agree to keep the roof maintained to a minimum standard.
What are the requirements?
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The thatched roof must have been inspected by a thatcher within the last 10 years
Thatch Types
You will need to inform the insurer at the quote stage which of the following your property has.
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Water Reed
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Devon Reed
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Combed Wheat
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Norfolk Reed
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Long Straw
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The electrics in the property must have been inspected within the last 10 years.
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Chimneys must be swept annually
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No naked flames or tools producing flames be present in the attic or loft space
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Two fire extinguishers must be fitted inside the property
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Roof must be treated with fire retardant
Property Types
A thatched roof policy will still cover the rest of your home in just the same way as any normal home insurance policy. Even if there are other non-standard features to your property such as:
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Listed property
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Let property
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Unoccupied
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Holiday Home
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Second Home
What must I know to get a quote?
You will need to know answers the some or all of the following for a broker or insurer to be able to offer a quote.
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The thatch depth - Is it less than a metre, between 1 and 2 or more than 2?
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The type of thatch material
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The height of chimney above the ridge - Less than or more than 1.8 metre
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The distance from nearest fire station
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Whether the property has open fires - It is possible to insure for a property with open fires but if you don't use the fire place you can have a 'solid fuel warranty. This states that no solid fuel is burnt on the property.
Related policies
Download the PDF version of this guide here
This is a marketing article by Towergate Insurance.