Is Your Thatched Home Properly Insured?

Thatched properties are some of the most beautiful homes in the UK, full of history, character, and craftsmanship. But they’re also among the most complex when it comes to insurance.

Because every thatched home is unique, estimating what it would cost to rebuild can be difficult. If your building's insurance hasn’t been reviewed for a while, there’s a real risk it no longer reflects the true rebuild cost.

Why Thatched Homes Need Special Attention

We’ve assessed thousands of thatched properties across the UK. Each one requires careful consideration of the materials, construction techniques, and risks that make these homes so distinctive.

Here are a few facts worth knowing:

• There are still around 60,000 thatched homes in the UK.

• A well-maintained thatched roof can last up to 60 years.

• Rebuild costs are usually higher because they rely on specialist skills and materials.

• Fire remains a major concern, which makes getting the insurance figure right essential.

  
  

These factors mean that standard insurance valuations can easily miss the mark—sometimes by a wide margin.

The Risks of Getting It Wrong

We regularly find large differences between the amount a thatched property is insured for and what it would actually cost to rebuild after total loss.

In one recent case:

• Rebuild Cost: £1,009,224

• Sum Insured: £307,800

• Shortfall: £701,424

• Underinsured by nearly 70%

  
  

In another:

• Rebuild Cost: £677,268

• Sum Insured: £828,826

• Overinsured by 22.4%

If your property is underinsured, you may not receive enough to rebuild after a total loss. If it’s overinsured, you may be paying more than necessary for your cover.

How a Rebuild Cost Assessment Helps

A professional rebuild cost assessment gives you a clear, accurate figure for what it would cost to rebuild your home today.

That means:

• Peace of mind that your insurance cover is right

• Protection against underinsurance if the worst happens

• Fair value by avoiding unnecessary premium costs

Our experienced assessors understand the traditional techniques and specialist materials that make thatched homes unique. The result is an independent, property-specific report you can rely on.

Protecting a Piece of History

Your thatched home deserves the right protection. Having an up-to-date rebuild cost assessment ensures your insurance reflects the true value of your property, helping you protect its history, character, and charm for the future.

Get your rebuild cost assessment today