When people think of home insurance, they usually imagine a straightforward policy covering a typical house. But not every property or homeowner fits neatly into that category. That’s where non-standard home insurance comes in.
If your home, circumstances, or insurance history fall outside what insurers consider “standard, a non-standard policy may be the right solution. Norton Insurance Brokers, with 60 years of experience, are experts in Non-Standard Home and Building Insurance, and can help you get your Insurance needs sorted.
What does “non-standard” mean in home insurance?
Non-standard home insurance is designed for properties or situations that don’t meet the criteria of mainstream insurers.
A home may be considered non-standard due to:
- The type or construction of the property
- How the property is used or occupied
- The insurance history of the homeowner
In these cases, standard comparison-site policies may offer limited cover — or none at all.
Examples of non-standard properties
Your home may be classed as non-standard if it includes:
- Non-standard construction (e.g. timber frame, thatched roof, steel frame, concrete construction)
- Listed buildings or homes in conservation areas
- High-value or period properties
- Converted buildings (barns, chapels, mills)
- Homes with flat roofs above a certain percentage
- Unusual materials such as wattle and daub or stone construction
These properties often require specialist insurers who understand their risks and rebuild costs.
Non-standard occupancy situations
It’s not just the building itself that matters. A property may also be non-standard due to how it’s occupied.
Common examples include:
- Unoccupied or vacant homes
- Second homes or holiday homes
- Homes undergoing renovation or structural work
- Properties used partly for business purposes
- Homes let to tenants (including HMOs)
Standard home insurance may restrict or exclude cover in these situations, making non-standard policies essential.
Non-standard personal circumstances
Some policies are considered non-standard because of the homeowner’s insurance background, such as:
- Previous home insurance claims
- Cancelled or refused insurance
- Criminal convictions (including non-property related)
- Poor credit history
Mainstream insurers often decline these risks, but specialist insurers may still be able to offer cover.
How do you know if your home is non-standard?
If you’re unsure, ask yourself:
- Has insurance ever been declined or restricted?
- Is the property older, listed, or unusually built?
- Is it empty, rented, or used for business?
If the answer is yes to any of these, non-standard home insurance may be appropriate.