Building Insurance for Your Home with a Thatched Roof
A Thatched roof gives your home a beautiful, characteristic appearance. But did you know that not every insurer accepts thatched roofs? Due to the increased fire risk Insurers set strict requirements and often charge a higher premium.
The good news: with the right ones prevention measures and the type of roof construction (screw roof or traditional) the premium can be considerably lower. A screw roof with good prevention can even be comparable to a tiled roof!
At Finass Verzekert we are specialists in this thatched roof insurance. We compare insurers who do accept thatched roofs, know the conditions and advise you on fire prevention that results in a premium discount.
⚠️ Not every insurer accepts thatched roofs
Some insurers completely exclude houses with thatched roofs. Others impose strict prevention requirements. We know which insurers are willing to insure your thatched roof – and under what conditions.
Screw roof vs. Traditional Thatched Roof
The type of roof construction largely determines your fire risk and therefore your premium. What's the difference?
Screw roof (Closed)
Reed on closed substructure- ✓ Reeds screwed onto plates
- ✓ No oxygen under the reeds
- ✓ Fire melts instead of burns
- ✓ Much more fire safe
- ✓ Better insulation (Rc 1.5+)
- ✓ Up to 50% lower premium
Traditional (Open)
Reed tied to slats- ! Reed bound, open construction
- ! Oxygen feeds the fire
- ! Fire spreads quickly
- ! Higher fire risk
- ✓ Authentic appearance
- ! Higher premium
Preventive measures: Mandatory & Premium discount
Insurers impose requirements on fire prevention. Some measures are mandatory, others provide premium discounts:
Spark arrester
Stainless steel mesh basket on chimney, mesh size 9.5-12.5mm
ObligedChimney Sweeping
Annually sweep + clean spark arrester
ObligedFire extinguisher
At least 6 kg of powder extinguisher in the house
ObligedLightning rod
Prevents lightning strikes in thatched roofs
Premium discountSprinkler installation
Automatic water sprinklers on the roof
Premium discountFire-resistant plating
Plasterboard on the inside of the roof
Premium discountSmoke detectors
Directly under the thatched roof
Premium discountFire Retardant Coating
Sprayed product, renew every 5 years
Premium discountGas inspection
Annual gas installation inspection
By gas fireplaceWhat does thatched roof insurance cover?
A good thatched roof insurance offers comprehensive coverage for all unexpected damage:
Fire damage
Storm damage
Lightning strike
Water damage
Collision
Burglary damage
Vandalism
Hail damage
✓ Also insured
- → Outbuildings (garage, shed, garden house)
- → Fences, fencing, antennas
- → Solar panels (fixed)
- → Electric charging station
- → Glass in windows and doors
Tips for Owners of Thatched Roofs
💡 Practical Tips
- → Know your roof type – Can you see the reeds from the inside? Then it is traditional. Do you see plating? Then it is a screw roof.
- → Be careful with fire – No barbecue or fire pit close to the roof in windy weather.
- → New Year's Eve – Stay at home and keep an eye on the roof, do not light fireworks yourself.
- → Maintenance – Have moss and leaves removed from the roof regularly.
- → Report renovation – Are you replacing your roof with thatch? Report this to your insurer IN ADVANCE!
