60-second summary
Regular maintenance: Thatched roofs, made from natural materials, offer charm and insulation but need regular upkeep to avoid expensive repairs.
Higher premiums: Thatch Insurance tends to be pricier because of the higher fire risk, weather vulnerability, and need for specialist materials and expertise for maintenance.
Policies: Specialised policies are essential to cover the unique risks of thatched homes but remember maintenance is a key factor needed to keep the policy valid.
Help to reduce costs: You can lower premiums with fire safety features, regular maintenance, chimney and wiring checks, and – if you can afford to – by paying annually.
What is a thatched roof?
Thatched roofs are crafted from dried reeds and grass rather than the more typical slates or tiles. Materials like wheat, barley, straw and heather are also commonly used.
Water reed is the most durable, lasting upwards of 40 years, while other grasses may need replacing after 25 years.
Thatched roof insurance
If your home has a thatched roof, you’ll need to find an insurer comfortable with providing cover for thatched or partially thatched homes.
What type of home insurance do I need for a thatched property?
For a thatched property, you’ll want a specialised policy that covers both the building and its contents. Like standard home insurance, thatched roof policies provide cover for storm, flood damage and theft, but they also consider the higher fire risk and specialist skills needed for repairs.
Remember that maintaining the roof is very important to ensure the policy is valid. If its neglected or damaged, your insurer might not pay out.
Whether you opt for separate buildings and contents or a combined policy, consider any optional extras for more comprehensive cover, like accidental damage and legal expenses.
Are thatched roofs more expensive to insure?
Usually, yes. Thatched roofs often come with higher insurance costs due to their increased fire risk compared to slate or tile roofs. Additionally, the rebuild value is typically higher because repairs would require specialist materials and tradespeople.
Despite this, you can still be able to get home insurance quotes from mainstream insurance providers as well as specialist thatched roof insurance providers.
Benefits of owning a thatched home
While there are risks, owning a thatched home also comes with several attractive benefits that make them highly desirable.
Insulation – the natural materials used in thatching provide great insulation, keeping homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which could lead to savings on energy bills.
Environmental benefits – thatching uses sustainable materials and traditional techniques, making it an environmentally friendly roofing option.
Aesthetic appeal – thatched roofs have that quintessentially British charm that can make any property look like it’s straight out of a storybook. This visual appeal could boost your home’s market value too.
Cultural heritage – owning a thatched home connects you to a rich cultural heritage, preserving traditional craftsmanship and architectural styles.
Risks of owning a thatched roof property
Owning a thatched roof property comes with its own set of unique challenges and risks such as:
Fire hazard – thatching materials are highly flammable and a fire can spread rapidly, especially if you have overhanging trees, which can dry out the thatch and further increase the risk of fire.
Weather vulnerability – because they’re made from natural materials, thatched roofs don’t always stand up well to harsh weather. Heavy rain and strong winds may cause issues.
Maintenance needs – regular upkeep of thatched roofs is essential to prevent deterioration. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs and potential insurance claim issues.
Pest infestation – birds and vermin, such as rats and mice, love the cosy warmth of a thatched roof. Unfortunately, their nesting and gnawing can cause quite a bit of damage.
These risks typically mean thatched properties come with higher insurance premiums, compared to homes with slate or tile.
How can I reduce the cost of my thatched roof insurance?
You can help reduce the cost of thatched roof insurance by taking several proactive steps. Here are some tips to consider:
Install fire safety measures – using fire retardant sprays and installing aluminium foil barriers or thatchbatts can significantly lower the risk of fire. Some insurance providers may offer you a cheaper quote if these are in place.
Regular roof maintenance – keeping your thatched roof well-maintained can help prevent damage and help ensure it’s covered in the event of a claim. Maintenance includes regular inspections and repairs, which may reassure insurers of the roof's condition.
Chimney maintenance – ensure your chimney is regularly swept and maintained. Consider lining the chimney to help prevent heat transfer.
Wiring checks – have your wiring checked by a qualified electrician every five years. The required time between checks can vary between providers, so do double-check.
Install smoke detectors – fitting smoke detectors throughout your home can provide early warning of a fire.
Increase your voluntary excess – increasing your voluntary excess can lower your premium. Just be sure that the amount, along with your set compulsory excess, would be affordable for you if you ever needed to make a claim.
Pay annually – if you can afford to, it’s usually cheaper to pay for your home insurance in one lump sum as interest is typically added to monthly payments.
How do I compare thatched property insurance?
You can compare home insurance quotes for your thatched home with Compare the Market. We have a panel of insurance providers including specialist providers.
Compare home insuranceFAQs
Do only old properties have thatched roofs?
No, there are plenty of new builds being constructed in England and Wales that have thatched roofs, especially in Wiltshire, Dorset and other parts of the West Country.
Can any type of property have a thatched roof?
It can, as long as the roof doesn’t slope more than 45 or 50 degrees. This allows rainwater to run off efficiently. You’ll find thatched roofs on small cottages, large country houses and even hotels.
What types of thatch can be insured?
You can get insurance for all types of thatched roof, including ones made of straw, water straw or reed. But do check your policy details to make sure the material used in your roof is definitely covered.
Can I insure a listed thatched roof property?
Yes, thatched properties are often listed buildings, which means they’re of historical or architectural importance.
You should be able to get listed buildings insurance for your thatched home. But owning a listed building is likely to increase your home insurance premium, not least because it’s likely to have a higher rebuild cost.
Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. She cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.
