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From practical advice to support when making a claim, our experts help listed homeowners like you through the whole process of insuring their property, so you can spend more time doing what matters to you.
What is a Listed Building?
A listed building is a structure included on an official register due to its historical or architectural importance. These buildings are categorised into grades based on their significance.
In the UK, Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, Grade II* are particularly important, and Grade II are of special interest. Your level of insurance and the extent of maintenance and restoration can depend upon what grade your building is classified as.
To establish whether your property is listed, and which grade it is, Historic England’s website provides a comprehensive search option for properties in the UK and Wales.
Click here to find out whether your home is listed in Scotland.
Finding specialist buildings insurance for listed buildings
Although some general insurers will cover listed/older properties, these tend to be limited to ‘standard’ construction properties that are less than 150 years old. If your property is older or is of ‘non-standard’ construction, you may fall outside of these criteria and require a more specialist service. Specialist listed property insurance can provide cover for aspects you might not have initially considered, including:
Pre-existing alterations
If a previous owner altered your building without consent or knowledge of the local authority, you could be forced to return your property to its original state. A good policy will reimburse you for the cost of restoring your home to its pre-alteration state.
Extended alternative accommodation
The planning and rebuilding of a listed property can be a more complicated and drawn-out process compared to the rebuild of a standard house. This process is also inevitably going to be stressful so the last thing you want to worry about is the cost of your alternative accommodation. Before you arrange your insurance, check how much your insurer will pay and for how long accommodation is provided if a claim were to be made.
‘Non-standard’ construction
The majority of listed properties are deemed to be of ‘non-standard’ construction by insurers. As a listed property homeowner you may need to seek specialist insurance to access the appropriate cover that is aligned to historic buildings and their construction.
Specialised restoration
Repairs to listed buildings usually need to adhere to strict guidelines, often requiring traditional materials and specialised craftsmanship, which can be more expensive than more modern properties.
Why is Listed Building Home Insurance important?
Standard home insurance policies often exclude or inadequately cover listed buildings. This is because unique construction materials and craftsmanship can be more difficult to find and therefore often more expensive. Listed building home insurance addresses this issue, offering a policy tailored to the needs of your property.
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Key listed building insurance benefits include;
✓ Accidental damage for buildings and contents
✓ Worldwide contents cover
✓ Listed building indemnity insurance
✓ Alternative accommodation as reasonable & necessary for up to 24 months
✓ Home emergency and legal cover as standard
Listed Building House Insurance: FAQs
When insuring a listed home, insurers require detailed information to assess the property’s risk profile and provide the correct level of insurance. A good insurance broker will advise you on the level of cover you need and ask the relevant questions regarding your listed home which will then be passed on to the insurer.
As a listed property specialist insurance broker, we have access to insurers who can protect your listed property at the correct level and account for its unique historical features and construction.
Here are the key details we will typically ask you to provide:
Property details
We will need the home’s age, construction materials (for example, stone, timber, thatch), and features, such as ornate carvings or stained glass, that could impact repair costs. We also enquire about any renovations or alterations, and whether these changes comply with listed property regulations.
Listing classification
The specific grade or category of your home’s listing (for example, Grade I, II* or II) is crucial. Higher grades often involve stricter restoration requirements, which can increase the cost of repairs and influence premiums.
Location
Your home’s geographic location helps us assess risks such as flooding, subsidence, or proximity to emergency services.
Security measures
Insurers who provide buildings insurance for listed buildings will consider your property’s security features, such as locks, alarms and security surveillance systems to gauge the risk of burglary. We can advise on which locks and alarms you may need to adhere to insurers’ criteria.
Maintenance and repairs
Regular maintenance is vital for listed homes. An insurer might ask how often you check and inspect your property and what upkeep you undertake to maintain your listed home.
Previous Claims
A history of insurance claims related to your property, such as structural issues can help us assess whether there are any potential risks and in turn, provide you with the appropriate level of listed building house insurance.
Insuring a listed building can be more expensive than insuring a standard property.
Listed buildings often have unique architectural features and historical significance, making repairs or restoration more complex and expensive.
Insurers must account for specialist materials, skilled labour, and adherence to listed property regulations, which can drive up premiums. Owners may also face increased costs for tailored cover, including accidental damage or extended rebuild periods.
The rarity and value of listed buildings further contribute to their higher insurance costs.
Book your appointment with one of our insurance experts today!
New customers call: 01823 250780
Existing customers call: 01823 250702
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Have you ever wondered why listed building insurance is so complicated? Why do insurers ask so many weird and wonderful questions? Our FREE guide answers all of these questions and more making it easier and quicker to get a quote.
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