About to buy a thatched cottage. Who's good for buildings/contents insurance? Property has cob walls and a thatch, so get nothing from the normal comparison sites apart from Admiral which is £2.3k but without bikes or other valuables. Where else should I be looking?
Cheers, Rich
Try hiscox or NFU, they tend to have appetite for non standard construction.
Having lived in a listed building before I found the cheapest way was through a broker. I used GSI insurance who found me a policy with Axa that I couldn’t access online.
If it’s non standard then I’d suggest a broker
^^+1 for using a broker
+John Lewis Specialist to the above. Aviva seem to be doing more out of the norm stuff now, just changed to them form Hiscox (we've got a listed place).
Another for try NFU - just because they are more used to the diversity of rural / farming properties.
We use NFU. Not only because they cover thatched places, but they have been excellent with a number of our claims. Had a bathroom refitted recently due to a leaking soil pipe, and they were so good to deal with. Money well spent IMO. Not expensive for the bikes either.
Been with NFU for last 20 years (also cob walled and thatched). Last time I looked around I couldn't find any other companies that would cover thatched properties.
Also make sure you read the requirements of the policy (current electrical certificate, fire extinguishers on each floor, specific number and location of fire alarm sensors etc,.)
My brother recently purchased a thatched property built circa 1600, similar constructions to yours OP.
Best provider on price was Thatchline.
MIDAS (via broker) and NFU (direct) also quoted.
Just for an update in case it's relevant for others. Now have a quote for £1k through Certis Insurance which includes an extra £20k for unnamed bikes up to £5k each, which is nice 🙂