Can Your Electrics Affect Your Thatch Property Insurance?

Do you know what your insurance requirements are?

Discover our FREE Guide to Electrical Reports.

While an ‘olde worlde’ thatched cottage or impressive listed manor house is wonderful to own, inadequate wiring often comes as part of the property package.

Electricity started to be installed in homes throughout Britain in the 1930s¹. Most thatched and listed homes were built before time, and would not have been designed to feature the same wiring found in more modern houses. This means character homes feature more nuanced electrical setups than standard construction properties.

Fire and explosions are the second most common cause of home insurance claims, with flood and water damage sitting at the top of the list and theft coming third². Recent data shows a 40%³ increase since the UK lockdown in the amount of submissions claiming for fire damage. According to the Association of British Insurers, £1.3 billion⁴ was paid out in claims related to fire in 2018. Electricity is a primary cause of accidental fires in UK homes with over 20,000⁵ reported each year. From 2020 to 2021 there were 24,296⁶accidental dwelling fires (fires in a place of residence) reported in the UK.

old kettle

“It works, so why do I need to change anything?”

One thing you do not want in your thatched property are quirky, vintage electrics or a multitude of electrical wiring ‘sins’ hiding behind the façade of your magnificent manor house.

Adopting the approach of, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” is often tempting in today’s bid to save time and money, but good working electrics keep you safe and help you save money in the longer term.

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Insurance and Your EICR

Although an up-to-date Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a requirement for thatch property insurance, many insurers now request an EICR for non-thatched listed properties which, in turn, has caused a drop in the number of fires caused by electrical faults.

The recommended precautions in an EICR may seem strict, but electrical faults are the second largest cause of fires in thatched homes⁷. They also ensure your thatch property insurance fully covers you because if your electrical report doesn’t meet certain criteria, you could face difficulties at the time of a claim.

Although technically it is not a legal requirement to have an Electrical Installation Condition Report, they have become a standard requirement of many insurers of thatched homes over the last ten years.

Who Provides an EICR?

An EICR must be provided by a qualified electrician who is a member of one of six approved bodies. You can find out more in our FREE guide: “Thatch property owner’s guide to electrical reports” – simply click the link here: https://lloydwhyteheritage.com/advice-zone/a-guide-to-electrical-reports

The EICR will test the safety and adequacy of the wiring in your property, and list any areas of concern as ‘coded items’, of which some, if not all, will need to be addressed for your insurance policy. Find out what the three ‘coded items’ mean in our guide to electrical reports (link above).

What Are the Benefits of an EICR?

An EICR is essential for all properties, especially thatched properties, due to their unique fire risks and older construction methods. Here are five key benefits of obtaining an EICR for thatched properties:

1. Fire Safety Assurance

· Thatch is highly flammable, and electrical faults are a common cause of fires in thatched properties. An EICR helps identify potential electrical hazards, such as faulty wiring or overloaded circuits, reducing the risk of a fire starting due to electrical issues.

2. Insurance Compliance

· Many insurance providers require an up-to-date EICR for thatched properties due to the increased fire risk. Having a valid EICR ensures compliance with your insurance policy, avoiding potential issues with claims should an electrical fire occur.

3. Early Fault Detection

· Regular EICR inspections can detect electrical faults early, before they develop into more serious (and potentially dangerous) problems. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs or devastating fires.

4. Property Value Preservation

· Thatched properties are often historic and have a high cultural and financial value. Ensuring the electrical systems are safe and up-to-date helps maintain the property’s value and protects its historical integrity.

5. Peace of Mind

· Knowing that the electrical installation has been thoroughly checked and is safe can provide you with peace of mind. This is particularly important in thatched properties, where the consequences of electrical faults can be severe.

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