General topics

Quick answer Yes. Intelligent Insurance can usually arrange cover for completed homes built using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), subject to underwriting criteria. For more information about the cover available, visit our SIPs home insurance page. As with other types of home insurance, cover is subject to the policy terms, limits and exclusions. Loss or damage caused by faulty design, defective materials or poor workmanship is not normally covered. Why are SIPs treated as non-standard construction? SIPs are prefabricated structural panels formed by bonding an insulating core between two structural facings. Because the materials and construction method differ from a conventional brick-and-block home, insurers may need more information before offering cover. Characteristic Why underwriters may need more detail Composite panel construction The materials and construction method can affect how damage is assessed, repaired and costed. Panel facings and insulation core SIP systems can use different facing boards and insulation materials. Identifying the system helps the insurer understand the property’s construction. Off-site manufacture The manufacturer, technical approval and structural warranty can help identify the panel system and demonstrate how the property was built. External finishes and weather protection Details of the cladding, render, brickwork and roof help the insurer assess how the structural panels are protected from the weather. What information might I need for a SIPs home insurance quote? You may be asked for some or all of the following: Panel system: the manufacturer, product name and the materials used for the panel facings and insulation core, if known. Approvals and certification: any BBA or ETA approval, structural warranty and building completion certificate available for the property. Extent of SIP construction: whether SIPs are used throughout the home or only in particular walls, roofs or extensions. Age and construction stage: when the property was built and whether it is complete, occupied, being renovated or still under construction. External walls and roof: the type of cladding, render or brick finish, plus the roof construction and covering. Foundations and ground floor: details of any raft slab, insulated slab, suspended floor or other non-standard system. Heating and ventilation: details of systems such as MVHR, heat pumps and wood-burning stoves. Rebuild cost and claims history: the estimated cost of rebuilding the home and details of any previous claims. How might cover respond once the policy is live? The precise cover will depend on your insurer, policy schedule and any endorsements. The following examples are a general guide only. Scenario Typical position What to check Fire, storm, theft or escape of water Loss or damage may be covered when the cause is an insured event included in your policy. Check the limits, excesses, exclusions and any endorsements shown in your policy documents. One-off accidental damage to the building This may be covered if your policy includes Accidental Damage for Buildings and the incident meets the policy definition. Faulty design, defective materials, poor workmanship and damage arising from structural alterations are normally excluded. Damp or moisture damage that develops gradually Wear and tear, gradual deterioration and damage caused by a lack of maintenance are not normally covered. Report sudden damage promptly and maintain the property in line with appropriate professional or manufacturer guidance. Major alterations or a SIP extension Your existing home insurance may be restricted or may not be suitable while major building work is taking place. Tell us before work starts so we can check whether your policy needs to be changed or whether renovation insurance may be more appropriate. Tips for getting a quote and looking after your cover Keep any product information, technical approvals, structural warranty and completion certificate available. Make sure your buildings rebuild value reflects the cost of reinstating the property using suitable materials and specialist labour where required. If you are unsure, read our rebuild cost guide or consider advice from a suitably qualified surveyor. Consider installing leak-detection sensors in wet rooms and plant areas. Inspect and maintain the roof, cladding, sealants and other external finishes in line with suitable professional or manufacturer guidance. Tell your insurer about relevant changes to the property, its occupancy or any major building work. Looking for cover? Learn more about specialist insurance for SIP-built homes.

Yes you do. Although Intelligent Insurance policies provide cover up to £1,000,000 for buildings (so you never have to worry about being under insured), the premium is rated based on the re-build value of your property. You can use the ABI’s rebuild calculator or get a more accurate calculation by using a surveyor.

Endorsement Significance An endorsement serves to articulate specific terms, requirements, or limitations to your insurance coverage. It provides clarity on areas where the insurer may wish to restrict or define coverage. Limiting Factors Endorsements are in place to address specific concerns or risks. Insurers may choose not to offer coverage or may wish to set specific conditions, reflecting their risk assessment. No General Option In most cases, paying an additional premium does not enable the removal of endorsements. Endorsements are integral to policy terms and conditions, reflecting the insurer’s underwriting decisions. Flood Exclusion Exception The only potential exception relates to the flood exclusion endorsement. If you have a flood exclusion and seek to add this cover, reaching out to our team allows exploration of options. We may assess eligibility for coverage through Flood Re, possibly resulting in a revised premium.

Home insurance excess can include both a compulsory excess set by the insurer and a voluntary excess chosen by you. Understanding the difference between compulsory and voluntary excess can help you know how much you may need to pay if you make a claim. Excess Defined An excess is the amount you must contribute towards a claim before your insurer covers the remaining costs. It consists of both compulsory and voluntary components. Compulsory Excess This is the mandatory amount set by your insurer, automatically applied to every claim. It is non-negotiable and forms part of the total excess. Voluntary Excess Unlike compulsory excess, this is an optional amount you can choose to pay voluntarily in addition to the compulsory excess. Opting for a higher voluntary excess may lower your premium but increases your upfront contribution in a claim. Combined Impact In the event of a claim, both compulsory and voluntary excess amounts are combined. For example, if the compulsory excess is £200 and you choose a voluntary excess of £100, you would pay a total excess of £300. Premium Considerations Selecting a higher voluntary excess might lead to a reduced premium, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential savings against your ability to cover the higher excess during a claim.

Your policy excesses (the amount you pay when making a claim) are detailed in your: Quote documentation Policy schedule in My Account Different insurers have different excess structures, so always check your specific policy documents for the exact amounts that apply to you.

This depends on your insurer and type of claim. Your claims handler will: Explain when the excess needs to be paid Guide you through the payment process Provide specific details for your situation Remember: Claims are handled directly by your insurer, not by Intelligent Insurance. You can: Find your insurer details in your policy schedule Check our Claims & Emergency Helplines page View your policy excess amounts in your policy documents

Navigating the possibility of buying contents insurance without buildings insurance offers flexibility. Independent Policies You can purchase contents insurance independently, especially if you don’t own the property or have separate renewal timelines for contents and buildings policies. Combined Savings While it’s recommended to bundle both policies for potential discounts, it’s not mandatory. Purchasing separately is a viable option based on your unique circumstances. Timing Considerations Evaluate the timings of your contents and buildings policies. If they don’t align or you don’t own the property, purchasing them independently can be a practical choice. Summary Understanding the flexibility in acquiring individual policies empowers you to make choices that align with your specific needs. Intelligent Insurance provides adaptable solutions for comprehensive coverage tailored to your situation.

Buildings insurance – Comprehensive Protection Buildings insurance is a fundamental component of home insurance, providing essential coverage to homeowners. It serves as a financial safeguard against the potential costs associated with repairing or rebuilding a home that has suffered damage or destruction due to various unforeseen events. Covered Elements Moreover, this type of insurance extends coverage to the structural components of your home, encompassing the roof, walls, and windows. Additionally, this type of insurance includes protection for permanent fixtures and fittings within the property. This can range from fitted kitchen units to bathroom suites, ensuring that integral elements of your home are covered in the event of damage. Shielding Your Home The primary purpose of buildings insurance is to shield homeowners from the financial burden of repairing or reconstructing their homes. Whether it’s damage caused by natural disasters, accidents, or other covered events, buildings insurance steps in to alleviate the costs associated with restoring the structure to its pre-damaged state. Financial Security Investing in buildings insurance, therefore, provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that their most significant investment—their home—is protected against unexpected challenges. This type of coverage is particularly crucial for individuals who have mortgages, as lenders often require insurance to mitigate their risk. Summary By understanding the purpose of buildings insurance, homeowners can make informed decisions about their insurance needs, ensuring comprehensive protection for their homes.

Key points: There’s no UK law that makes buildings insurance compulsory. Most mortgage lenders insist on cover from exchange of contracts. Outright owners can skip it, but would face the full rebuild cost if disaster strikes. Leasehold flats are usually covered by a block policy arranged by the freeholder or management company. Buildings cover protects you from potentially six‑figure repair bills. Not by law. However, most mortgage lenders require you to have buildings insurance in place from exchange of contracts to protect their loan. Cash‑buyers & outright owners: you’re free to go uninsured, but you’d have to fund any rebuild costs yourself. Leasehold flats: your freeholder or management company will normally arrange a block policy and recharge you. For details of what a policy typically includes, see our guide What does buildings insurance cover?. In short, while not legally mandatory, buildings insurance is strongly recommended to avoid potentially six‑figure repair bills.

Rental Insurance Overview If you’re renting a property, the responsibility for insuring the structure of the building typically falls on the landlord. As a tenant, you are generally not required to obtain building insurance for the actual structure of the property. Personal Contents Coverage Your focus as a renter should be on protecting your own belongings within the rented space. While the structure is the landlord’s concern, it’s crucial for tenants to consider contents insurance. This coverage safeguards your personal possessions, including furniture, electronics, and valuables, against risks like theft, fire, or other covered events. Landlord’s Responsibility The landlord’s insurance, known as landlord insurance or buildings insurance, is designed to cover the structure itself. This includes protection for the building’s foundation, walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows. It is the landlord’s responsibility to secure this coverage to handle potential structural damage or repairs. Peace of Mind for Tenants Understanding the division of insurance responsibilities between landlords and tenants is essential for renting with peace of mind. While your landlord ensures the building’s structural protection, you can focus on safeguarding your personal possessions with contents insurance tailored to your needs. Clarifying Responsibilities Ensuring clarity on insurance responsibilities at the beginning of a tenancy helps both landlords and tenants fulfil their respective obligations. It’s advisable for tenants to communicate with their landlords to confirm the property’s insurance coverage and, if needed, obtain contents insurance for their personal items. Summary By understanding the insurance dynamics in a rental arrangement, tenants can make informed decisions to secure the appropriate coverage for their specific needs, ensuring a well-rounded approach to protecting their living space.

Intelligent Insurance policies offer building cover for the following: Fire Riot, civil commotion and labour or political disturbances and strikes Malicious damage Impact from aircraft (or other flying devices), or anything dropped from them, vehicles or trains, falling aerials or masts, falling trees or branches, animals Storm, flood or weight of snow Subsidence or ground heave of the site the buildings stand on, or landslip Escape of water from or freezing in any fixed domestic water or drainage installation, heating installation, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, freezer or water bed Theft or attempted theft Escape of oil from a fixed, domestic, oil-fired heating system

Wear and tear allowance is not covered in your insurance policy. This is because you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your property.