Our homes are often our most valuable assets, but not all homes are created equal in the eyes of insurers. If your property doesn’t meet standard criteria, you may find it harder to get the right cover. That’s where non standard home insurance comes in.
At Birnbeck Insurance Brokers, we provide independent advice and tailored policies for properties that fall outside the norm. From construction type to location risks, here are the top five reasons you might need non standard home insurance.
Reasons You Might Need Non-Standard Home Insurance
1. Your Home Has Non-Standard Construction
Most mainstream insurers prefer brick-built homes with tiled roofs. If your property is built using alternative materials or methods, it’s classed as non-standard.
Common types of non-standard construction:
- Timber or steel frames
- Thatched roofs
- Flat roofs (covering over 25% of the property)
- Prefabricated or modular homes
- Concrete or cob construction
These materials may present different fire, weather, or structural risks. That’s why it’s important to find non standard home insurance that understands and covers those differences.
2. You Live In A High-Risk Location
Your postcode can make a big difference. Some insurers may avoid areas with a higher chance of flooding, subsidence, or crime. If your home is in one of these locations, you’ll likely need high risk property insurance from a specialist.
Examples of high-risk areas:
- Homes near rivers or in known flood zones
- Properties in regions with a history of ground movement or subsidence
- Clifftop or coastal locations prone to erosion
- Inner-city areas with higher burglary statistics
At Birnbeck Insurance, we’ve supported homeowners across Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, and the wider North Somerset region with accessing appropriate non standard home insurance quotes for their properties.
3. Your Property Has A History Of Claims Or Unusual Use
Even if your home is traditionally built, its usage or claims history could place it in the non-standard category.
This may apply if:
- You’ve had multiple claims in recent years
- You run a business from home (e.g. beauty therapy, tutoring)
- You let your property as a holiday home or Airbnb
- The home is left unoccupied for long periods
In these situations, a specialist policy ensures you remain protected, even when your living arrangements are slightly out of the ordinary.
4. You Live In A Listed Or Heritage Property
Living in a listed building or a converted historic structure is a privilege but it also requires a different type of insurance. Rebuilding and repairs must often follow strict heritage regulations, making standard policies unsuitable.
Properties that typically require specialist cover:
- Grade I, II*, or II listed buildings
- Converted chapels, barns, or windmills
- Homes restored with traditional materials
We can help you compare quotes from the best non standard home insurance providers that include the right level of protection for your unique home.
5. You’re Renovating Or The Home Is Unoccupied
Standard insurance usually becomes void if the property is unoccupied for 30+ days or is undergoing major works. This is common during sales, probate, or large-scale renovation projects.
You’ll need specialist cover if:
- Your home is empty due to sale or probate
- You’re living elsewhere during building works
- You’re converting lofts, basements, or extensions
- Structural changes are taking place
We regularly assist clients with securing specialist home insurance for properties in transition.
What Does Non-Standard Home Insurance Cover?
While policies can vary depending on provider and risk, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Cover Type | What It Includes |
| Buildings insurance | Protection for the structure, fixtures, and rebuild costs |
| Contents insurance | Cover for furniture, electronics, and personal belongings |
| Public liability | In case someone is injured at your property |
| Legal expenses | Covers the cost of legal claims or disputes |
| Unoccupied property insurance | Specific protection for empty homes |
When To Speak To A Specialist Broker
If your home falls under any of the five categories above, speaking with a specialist is your best move. Many standard providers will either decline cover or offer inflated premiums with limited protection.
Our brokers can advise you on everything from non standard property insurance to specialist home insurance quotes, and we’ll walk you through each step clearly.
Non-Standard Home Insurance From Birnbeck Insurance
Not every home fits the mould and that’s exactly why non standard home insurance exists. Whether you own a listed building, live near the sea, or are undergoing major renovations, it’s vital to protect your property with the right cover.
At Birnbeck Insurance Brokers, we help clients across the UK find reliable, affordable insurance for even the most unusual home requirements.
We take the time to understand your unique property and recommend policies from across the market.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Independent advice from trusted brokers
- Access to specialist insurers for hard-to-cover homes
- Hands-on support if you ever need to make a claim
- Real people you can talk to, no chatbots or long phone queues
Request a quote now or explore our specialist home insurance services to get started.
