Are Timber Frame Houses More Expensive to Insure?

Timber frame homes are increasingly popular in the UK, from modern eco-friendly new builds to traditional cottages. But when it comes to home insurance, many owners ask the same question: does a timber frame make insurance more expensive?

The short answer is often yes, but not always. The cost depends on a range of factors, including the property’s age, construction quality and the insurer’s appetite for covering non-standard homes. This guide explains what influences premiums, how much extra you might expect to pay, and how to keep your costs under control.

Are Timber Frame Houses More Expensive to Insure?

In many cases, timber frame houses are more expensive to insure than standard brick or block properties. Insurers often view them as non-standard construction, which can limit the number of providers willing to offer cover. Fewer options in the market usually means higher premiums.

The main reasons for higher premiums include:

• Perceived fire risk: Timber is combustible, even though modern designs use treatments and fire-resistant materials to reduce risk.
• Specialist repairs: If damage occurs, the skills and materials needed may cost more than for conventional brickwork.
• Market perception: Some insurers still treat timber as higher risk, regardless of improvements in construction standards.

What Factors Influence the Cost?

While timber frame properties may attract slightly higher premiums, insurers don’t assess them in isolation.
The final cost depends on several factors:

• Fire risk: homes with well-fitted smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinklers are viewed more positively.
• Age of the property: older homes may require more maintenance. (We’ll cover wood rot and similar issues in a dedicated article.)
• Location: risks such as flooding, subsidence or crime rates in the area play a major role.
• Rebuild value: – insurers calculate premiums based on how much it would cost to rebuild, which can be higher for specialist properties.
• General maintenance: a well-maintained timber frame is less likely to suffer major damage.

How Much More Could It Cost?

There is no universal percentage increase, but industry reports and broker experience suggest premiums may be 10–15% higher for timber frame homes compared with standard builds.

However, this isn’t guaranteed. Some modern timber frame homes with strong fire protection measures may not cost more to insure at all. Premiums are always calculated on a case-by-case basis, which is why working with a specialist broker can help you find the most competitive cover.

How to Keep Timber Frame Insurance Costs Down

Timber homes don’t have to mean inflated insurance bills. Homeowners can often reduce premiums by taking a few practical steps:

• Be accurate when applying – provide detailed information about the construction type and any fire safety measures.
• Install safety features – working smoke detectors, monitored alarms and security systems can lower risk.
• Maintain the property – keep on top of routine inspections, gutter cleaning and repairs.
• Check your rebuild value – underinsuring can cause problems if you need to claim, while over-insuring increases your premium.
• Use a specialist broker – not all insurers cover timber frames, but a broker can connect you with those who do.

Advantages of Timber Frame Homes

It’s also worth remembering that timber frame homes have benefits, which is why their popularity continues to rise:

1. Eco-friendly construction: timber is a renewable material with a smaller carbon footprint.
2. Energy efficiency: well-insulated timber homes can be cheaper to heat.
3. Modern safety standards: newer properties use fire-resistant materials and comply with strict building regulations.
4. Speed of build: timber frames can be constructed more quickly, which makes them attractive in housing developments.

These positives explain why insurers are increasingly open to providing cover for timber properties.

Getting the Right Cover

If you own a timber frame house, you’ll want peace of mind that your biggest asset is properly protected. While insurance may be slightly more expensive, it is readily available from specialist providers who understand this type of construction.

At Intelligent Insurance, we help arrange policies that fit your circumstances, whether your home is modern, traditional or falls into the category of Steel and Timber Frame Home Insurance.

FAQs

Is it harder to get insurance on a timber frame house?

Not necessarily. While some mainstream insurers may not cover them, many specialist insurers do. Working with a broker improves your chances of finding the right policy.

Do all insurers cover timber frame homes?

No. Some insurers only deal with standard brick or block properties. That’s why it pays to use a specialist.

Does a timber frame affect mortgage approval?

Sometimes. Lenders may ask for proof that you can obtain suitable insurance before releasing funds.

Are modern timber frames still considered non-standard?

Yes, most insurers still class them as non-standard, even though construction methods have advanced.