Discover how Defaqto Star Ratings guide better insurance choices
Older homes often need a more considered approach to insurance than modern properties.
Period features, traditional construction methods, and materials that are harder to source can all affect how a policy is assessed and how much it may cost to repair or rebuild the home after damage.
Choosing specialist cover can help make sure your insurance better reflects the age, character, and construction of your property.
Whether you own a Victorian terrace, a Georgian townhouse, a stone cottage, or another type of character home, it is important to have cover that takes those differences into account.
It can do. Older homes may cost more to insure because they can include traditional materials, non-standard construction, and specialist features that are more expensive to repair or replace. Premiums can also be influenced by other factors such as your location, claims history, and the level of cover you choose.
We can usually provide cover for houses built after 1700. If your home was built before 1700, please speak to us, as we may be able to consider some properties on a case-by-case basis depending on the age, construction, and features of the home.
Many older properties were built using materials and methods that are less common today. Repair work may need specialist tradespeople, matching materials, or more careful restoration, which can increase rebuild and repair costs compared with standard homes.
No. Not all older homes are listed. Old house insurance can also be suitable for period properties and character homes that are not formally listed but still have features or construction types that make them different from modern properties. If your home is listed, that should be disclosed when requesting a quote.
You may be able to find this information in your title deeds or title register. A rough estimate is often enough to begin a quote, particularly if you know the general period when the property was built.
Depending on your needs, optional cover may include accidental damage, family legal protection, home emergency cover, and cover for high value personal belongings. It is important to check the policy documents for limits, exclusions, and conditions before buying.
Older homes are rarely one-size-fits-all, and their insurance should not be either.
Whether your property has traditional materials, unusual construction features, or period details that need a more specialist approach, our cover is designed to reflect the way older homes differ from standard modern houses.
That means insurance that is based on your property’s individual characteristics, with clear cover features and optional add-ons to help you shape protection around your needs.
Family Legal Protection Plus extends this cover limit to £50,000 and increases the range of legal disputes that you’re covered for.
Enjoy complete protection with extended emergency callout cover with up to £1,000 per callout, £1,000 Total Claims Limit/Year, Boiler & Heating System cover & Alternative Accommodation
Cover for accidental breakages or damage to your buildings e.g: putting your foot through the ceiling, or accidental breakage of glass
*We may not be able to quote in all circumstances. Cover limits/restrictions and/or conditions may apply to the policy. These are clearly detailed prior to purchase, and in the policy documentation for you to determine if the cover is suitable for your needs.
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Discover how Defaqto Star Ratings guide better insurance choices
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“I had initially intended to purchase the insurance online but due to system glitches, I had to do it by phone. Sam was very helpful and friendly. The price was reasonable considering it’s an old Welsh 1832 Millworker’s stone cottage with a modern steel and wood clad extension and has a stream couple of meters away, so I was very pleased to find Intelligent Insurance as many companies don’t cover properties with mixed building materials. Very happy.”
If you’re currently insured with us, you’ll find the documents for your policy in MyAccount.
Making a claim has never been easier – just follow these three simple steps.
Find your insurer’s claims contact details in your policy document or Schedule. Always have your policy number to hand, as it helps your insurer’s claims team quickly identify you and assist you without delay.
Call your insurer’s claims team as soon as the incident occurs. Provide a brief description of what happened and, if applicable, notify the Police within seven days for incidents like theft or malicious damage.
If required, complete and return the claim form along with supporting documents (receipts, photos, etc.) within 30 days. This ensures a smooth, timely processing of your claim.