Thatched Cottage Owners Warned On Fire Risks

Many of us have seen picturesque little hamlets whilst driving through our glorious countryside. Mostly made up of ancient, tiny cottages often with thatch on the roof and roses round the door. This may seem like a bucolic ideal by many in the UK, but you can end up paying a sharp premium for the privilege without the right home insurance.

Some home insurance companies may even triple the rates normally paid on buildings with less flammable roofs.

Perhaps surprisingly a harsh winter can prove even more dangerous for thatched homes; this is due to a combination of dry thatch and cold heightening the risk of home fires. In Suffolk alone the local fire service can be called out to as many as 20 fires in thatched roofs over the winter period.

To bring the costs down many insurers will insist on measures such as smoke detectors, spark guards and checks on electric wiring. This can be expensive as many of these homes are very old and the cost of things like rewiring may be prohibitive.

Fire can be especially severe as they can smoulder for hours before becoming visible, by which time it will normally be too late to save a roof. Homeowners are also often tempted to install wood burning stoves, which can produce heat too intense for a chimney designed for open flames. Even outside fires and wood burning patio heaters can be a cause for concern as sparks can travel quite far on even a light breeze.

To get the best deal on your home insurance you can search on the internet. It is important to read any small print very carefully and make sure that the policy covers your individual circumstances exactly. In addition, make sure you check any excess values that may be applicable. It can be a nasty shock to realise that in the event of a claim you will be liable for a big chunk of the payout.

If you would like to know more about home insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.