Things to consider when insuring slate homes
Although many homes these days are constructed out of bricks and mortar, that is not to say that you personally have to live in a property like this. If, for whatever reason, you are hoping to buy a house that has external walls primarily made from slate you will need to give particular consideration to how it will be insured.
Of course, taking out a comprehensive level of home cover is something that ought to be done regardless of what kind of property you live in. However, this is especially important if you live in a home that is considered to be non-traditional.
Although the definition of a non-traditional home can vary between insurance companies, it is - as a general rule - one that does not have brick walls and/or a tiled roof. Consequently, should your property have a slate or stone exterior, it is worth taking the time to look for a non-standard home insurance policy.
The fact materials such as these are not a common feature in the majority of properties means that mainstream home insurance providers are typically unwilling to offer cover for them.
One reason why it is often difficult to obtain insurance from such companies is the increased risk of claims being filed on non-standard homes. Depending on the material it is made from, your property may be more susceptible to damage, be it at the hands of Mother Nature (in events such as a fire, storm or flood) or if it is targeted by vandals.
In either case, the fact your home is made from non-standard materials means that finding both the necessary equipment and skilled tradesmen who are able to carry out any repairs can be difficult. So if you do not have a sufficient level of cover, this process is likely to be especially time-consuming. It is also worth bearing in mind that you will have to meet such repair costs out of your own pocket, something which could be especially expensive. It is paying out for such high expenses that make mainstream insurance companies unwilling to provide cover.
Quite often, properties that have been built using non-standard construction methods and/or materials are bestowed listed or heritage status. This means that if any work needs doing, for whatever reason, it must preserve the property's original state and quite often will have to be done using certain resources, something that taking out a specialist insurance policy can help you with. Insurers often have a list of recommended tradesmen who have the skills to work on slate homes and other developments that aren't made from traditional bricks, so you do not have to go through the hassle of trying to locate such workers yourself.
Although the material - or materials - it features tends to define whether a home is classed as non-standard or not, criteria such as the age of the building and its location can also have a significant impact on what status it has and what insurance risk is attached to it. To be sure of getting a policy that is right for you, it is worth seeking out the services of a specialist broker. That way, they can work to find an adequate level of insurance for your property, regardless of what it is made from, that will match your specific needs.
