What is non-standard construction?
In the UK, most homes are built with brick or stone walls and tiled roofs. However, there are many other ways to build houses that may be referred to as ‘non-standard’. These include homes that are:
- Timber or steel frame
- Made from cob, wattle and daub, strawbale, flint, grass or peat
- Prefabricated or modular homes
- Cladded
- Thatched, rubber, plastic or shingle tiled
- Converted buildings like windmills or barns
Homes made from these materials may be regarded as more of a fire hazard than ones built with standard construction methods, or they may be more prone to rot, woodworm, or infestation. This is why they are sometimes not included on standard home insurance policies.
What insurance options are there?
Key benefits | Essentials | Classic | Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
Buildings | £500,000 to Unlimited | £500,000 to Unlimited | £500,000 to Unlimited |
Contents
| £50,000 to £150,000 | £50,000 to £150,000 | £50,000 to £150,000 |
Alternative accommodation cover (Buildings) | Up to £30,000 | Up to £30,000 | Up to £75,000 |
Alternative accommodation cover (Contents) | Up to £10,000 | Up to £10,000 | Up to £20,000 |
Find out more about Non-Standard Home Insurance today.
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Property types we can insure:
Unoccupied properties
Whilst a standard Home Insurance policy will cover an empty house for 30 or 60 days, an Unoccupied Home Insurance policy will cover it for longer. This specialist Unoccupied Home Insurance will cover a vacant property for up to 12 months. This is ideal for homes undergoing renovation, or for those with an absent owner.
High-value properties
For bespoke and high-value properties, specialist insurance is often needed. If your home and belongings are worth more than £500,000, you may have found that standard home insurance policies don’t give enough cover. Our High-Value Home Insurance covers most eventualities to ensure that your belongings are safe in every circumstance.
Listed buildings
Listed buildings have particular architectural or historical significance, so they require a special type of insurance. You may be specifically looking for cover on damage to brickwork, or perhaps for specialist materials and labour in the event of repairs. Proper maintenance of a period home is vital to preserving it for future generations, so finding comprehensive cover is important.
Homes at risk of flooding
If you live on a flood plain or your home has been flooded before, you may need Flood Risk Insurance. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can cover repairs, drying out the home, removing debris, replacing furniture, fixtures and fittings, temporary accommodation and legal or surveyor fees.
Timber frame properties
Some timber-framed homes may need specialist insurance as they are seen as having an increased risk of fire, as well as damp, wood rot and pest infestations. Modern technology means that generally, newly built timber frame homes are no more at risk than any other home.
Holiday homes
Insurance for holiday homes will cover the building and the contents, similar to regular home insurance policies. Whether your holiday home is empty for most of the year or you rent it to others, your premium may be higher than average. You may also be interested in cover for accidental damage, loss of income, alternative accommodation and public liability.
Second homes
Second home-owners are likely to leave their home unoccupied for long periods or rent it out as a short term holiday let, or even as a long-term home. A second home could be occupied a couple of days a week, whereas a holiday home could go weeks or months between visits. Depending on what you intend to do with it, you may need to think about specialist second home insurance.
Why choose Swinton Insurance?
- Home Legal Expenses — covered as standard with our Premier Home Insurance policies and can be added to Classic and Essentials Home Insurance plans
- Home Emergency Cover — Can be purchased as an additional extra to the standard home insurance policy
- An experienced team — Our insurance specialists are happy to answer questions on Live Chat or over the phone
- View documents online - Quickly and easily make changes or renew your policy with our online portal
- Separate policies — Get flexible cover with separate Buildings and Contents Insurance policies
How to make a claim
While you can take solace in preparing for the unknown with insurance, the unexpected sometimes happens. If your property is damaged or your possessions are stolen, it’s easy to claim with Swinton Home Insurance.
Before you call
Ensure that you have all the information you’ll need to hand before you pick up the phone to make your claim. This will ensure that your claim can be processed as soon as possible, and will prevent delays. Make sure you have the following:
- Policy documents
- Police crime reference number (if applicable)
- Photos, receipts or a recent valuation of your belongings
- Evidence of damage
Contact your insurer
Contact your home insurer directly by taking their number from a policy document or letter that they have sent you. You can also log into your online Swinton account where the details will be displayed on the main page. Alternatively, call Swinton on 0333 035 9373.
Make a claim
Your insurer will ask for the details of your claim and will authorise the repair or replacement of your lost or damaged goods. Sometimes, it may be necessary for authorised personnel to inspect the property or to provide repair services.
Non-Standard Insurance FAQs
While insurance for a non-standard home covers many of the same things a normal Home Insurance policy would, cover may be restricted on certain elements. In other cases, an increased excess may apply. Therefore, in order to be aware of what your insurer does and does not cover, you’ll need to speak to your insurer directly.