SIPs Home Insurance

Yes, we can usually consider completed homes constructed with Structural Insulated Panels, subject to the property details and underwriting criteria. Buildings, contents or combined cover may be available.

For a more detailed explanation of the information you may be asked for, read our guide: Can I insure a home built with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)?

They often are. SIPs differ from the brick, stone, slate and tile materials commonly used to define standard construction.

This does not mean the property cannot be insured, but the insurer may need more information about its materials, design and rebuild requirements.

Related: Non-standard home insurance

It can cost more than insurance for a standard-construction home, but not always. Your premium will depend on factors including the panel system, external materials, rebuild cost, location, occupancy, security and claims history.

The most reliable way to understand the cost for your property is to complete a quote.

Yes, depending on the property and underwriting criteria, buildings insurance, contents insurance or combined buildings and contents cover may be available.

The cover, limits, excesses and any endorsements will be shown in your quote and policy documents.

You may be asked for the SIP system or manufacturer, panel and insulation materials, external wall finish, roof construction, year built, rebuild cost and details of any warranty, certification or alterations.

If SIPs are used in only part of the home, the insurer may also need to know approximately how much of the property uses each construction type.

Not in every case, but an insurer may ask for a structural warranty, completion certificate or technical approval, particularly for a newer, self-built or less familiar SIP system.

These documents can help confirm how the property was designed and completed. We will tell you if they are required for your quote.

We may be able to. The insurer will usually need to know what proportion of the property uses SIPs, when the extension was completed and whether building work has been signed off.

You should describe both the original home and extension accurately when requesting a quote.

A standard occupied-home policy may not be suitable while a SIP home is being constructed or undergoing major building work.

Tell us about the stage and extent of the work before buying cover so we can establish whether an appropriate policy is available.

Related: House renovation insurance

Once the property has been accepted, cover can include many of the insured events available for a standard home, such as fire, storm, flood, theft and escape of water.

The events covered will depend on the policy selected. Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, faulty workmanship, defective design and defective materials are not covered.

Your buildings sum insured should reflect the cost of rebuilding the property, not its market value.

A SIP home may require specialist materials or contractors, so use a reliable rebuild-cost estimate and seek professional advice if the property is unusual or the figure is uncertain.

Related: Rebuild Cost Guide: Why It Matters for Your Home Insurance