The Cost of Non-Standard Home Insurance
Discover how much non-standard home insurance costs, why it’s more expensive, and how to save on cover for unique homes with InsureMy.
What is Non-Standard Home Insurance?
When most people think about home insurance, they imagine a standard house made of brick or stone, with a tiled or slate roof. But not every home in the UK fits that mould. If your property is a little different, you may need non-standard home insurance.
A home can be classed as “non-standard” if:
- It’s a listed building or in a conservation area
- It’s built with non-traditional materials like timber or steel
- It’s used as a holiday home, second home, or Bed & Breakfast
- It’s left unoccupied for long periods
- It sits in a flood or subsidence risk area
If your property ticks any of these boxes, a standard home insurance policy may not give you the cover you need.
How Much Does It Cost?
Because non-standard homes are seen as higher risk, the insurance usually costs more. While every property is unique, here are some ballpark figures:
- A typical home insurance policy for a standard property costs around £350-£450 a year. Our avg annual price £416.
- A holiday let or second home might cost closer to £300-£800 a year. Our avg annual price £381.
- A listed property could cost £900-£1,200 or more.
👉 To get an accurate price, it’s best to request a quote through InsureMy’s non-standard home insurance service.
Examples of Non-Standard Homes
To bring it to life, here are some everyday examples:
- Holiday home by the coast – often empty for long periods, which increases risk of break-ins or weather damage.
- Second home in the countryside – not lived in full-time, so insurers charge more.
- Rental property – more wear and tear from tenants, meaning higher insurance costs.
You can find out more about different types of non-standard properties in our guide to non-standard homes.
Why Does It Cost More?
Insurers charge more for non-standard homes because:
- Repairs are often more expensive or specialist (like listed building regulations or thatch repairs).
- There’s a higher risk of damage (for example, a flat roof leaking).
- Properties that are unoccupied for long periods are more vulnerable to break-ins, burst pipes or storm damage.
- Homes used as holiday lets or B&Bs face extra wear and tear and more liability risks.
How to Keep Costs Down
The good news is there are ways to bring the price down:
- Fit strong locks and alarms to boost security.
- Keep up with maintenance, especially for roofs and older features.
- Be open and accurate when describing your property – it avoids problems later.
- Limit long periods of unoccupancy or arrange regular checks when you’re away.
- Compare different policies – InsureMy works with specialists who understand unique homes.
The Bottom Line
If your home is a little different, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many UK properties need non-standard cover, and while it usually costs more, the right policy will protect your home properly.
Whether you own a holiday home by the sea, a second home in the countryside, InsureMy can help you find cover that fits.
👉 Start by exploring our:
With the right cover in place, you can enjoy your home – however unique – with peace of mind.
