Non-Standard Home Insurance: Cover for Unusual Risks

What is non-standard home insurance?

Non-standard home insurance describes cover arranged for properties or policyholders that fall outside the criteria mainstream, mass-market insurers are set up to handle. Standard insurers typically use automated underwriting based on common risk factors, and anything outside their usual appetite — an unusual building material, a history of subsidence, or a criminal conviction, for example — can lead to a decline or a very high quote.

Specialist non-standard insurers and brokers, by contrast, often underwrite more individually, assessing the actual risk rather than applying blanket rules. This doesn't mean cover is automatically more expensive; it means it's priced and structured around the specific circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

Who typically needs non-standard home insurance?

This type of cover is relevant to a wide range of situations. It might include homeowners with properties of non-standard construction, such as those built with timber frames, thatched roofs, flat roofs, or concrete/steel construction, as well as properties that have been extended, converted, or previously suffered subsidence, flood or fire damage.

It can also apply to homeowners who have had previous insurance claims, cancelled policies, or unspent criminal convictions, as well as those running a business from home, letting out rooms, or living in a property that's been unoccupied for a period. None of these situations mean cover is impossible — they simply mean a specialist approach is often more likely to produce a workable quote than applying to a mainstream insurer.

What's typically covered

Non-standard home insurance generally aims to provide the same core protections as a standard policy — buildings and/or contents cover against fire, storm, flood, theft and similar perils — but with underwriting flexible enough to accommodate the specific risk factor involved. For example, a policy for a subsidence-affected property might include subsidence cover with terms reflecting any remedial work already carried out.

Because every case is different, the exact scope of cover, exclusions and excess levels can vary significantly between specialist insurers. It's important to read the policy wording carefully and ask directly how the insurer has treated the specific issue that led to the non-standard classification, whether that's construction type, claims history or occupancy pattern.

• Non-standard construction (thatch, timber frame, flat roof, steel frame)
• Previous subsidence, flood or fire history
• Unspent convictions or County Court Judgments
• Previous claims, cancelled or declined policies
• Home businesses, lodgers, or non-standard occupancy

What affects the price

Pricing for non-standard home insurance reflects the specific risk that made the property or policyholder non-standard in the first place, alongside the usual factors like location, rebuild cost, and security. A property with a history of subsidence that has had remedial underpinning carried out, for example, may be priced differently from one where the issue is ongoing or unresolved.

Because specialist insurers assess these cases individually, providing full and accurate information — including any reports, certificates or claims history — can help ensure an accurate quote. Being upfront about past issues generally produces better outcomes than non-disclosure, which can affect a policy's validity if a claim is later made.

Tips for arranging non-standard cover

Gather relevant documentation in advance, such as subsidence monitoring reports, structural engineer certificates, or details of previous claims, as this can speed up the underwriting process and lead to a more accurate quote. Be honest and thorough when answering questions, since omitting details about past issues could invalidate cover later.

It's also worth comparing how different specialist insurers treat your specific circumstances, as appetite and pricing can vary considerably. A broker experienced in placing non-standard risks can often identify insurers more likely to offer competitive and suitable terms than approaching the market directly yourself.

How to get a quote

If you've struggled to get a quote from a mainstream insurer, a specialist broker familiar with non-standard risks may be able to help. Complete the short form on this page and an FCA-authorised specialist broker will get in touch to discuss your situation, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Why would a standard insurer decline my home insurance application?

Standard insurers often use automated criteria and may decline or heavily load premiums for factors like unusual construction, previous subsidence, past claims, or unspent convictions, even where the actual risk is manageable.

Is non-standard home insurance always more expensive?

Not necessarily — pricing depends on the specific risk and how it's underwritten. Specialist insurers assess cases individually, which can sometimes produce more competitive terms than a declined or heavily loaded standard quote.

Can I get cover if my home has had subsidence?

Yes, many specialist insurers will consider properties with a subsidence history, particularly where remedial works have been completed and documented.

Do I need to declare unspent convictions?

Yes, insurers generally require disclosure of relevant unspent convictions, and non-disclosure can invalidate a policy, so it's important to be upfront even if it feels like it may increase the premium.

What documents help when applying for non-standard cover?

Useful documents include subsidence monitoring reports, structural engineer certificates, claims history summaries, and any details of remedial or preventative work carried out on the property.