Highhouse Insurance

Thatched

Thatch Insurance – Thatched Cottage Insurance

Thatch cottage that has specialist thatch insurance
Thatch Insurance- Insurance for Thatched Properties

Key thatch insurance benefits

  • Specialist knowledge of insurance for thatched properties
  • Tailor made Thatch Insurance so you only pay for cover needed.
  • Competitive rates and kept consistently low year on year.
  • Buildings and Contents Values Indexed linked to protect you against inflation.
  • Includes public liability cover upto £5,000,000 as standard.
  • Speak directly to staff – No automated phone service.

Thatched Cottage Insurance

Highhouse specialise in Thatch Insurance. We have experienced staff and underwriters and are able to provide thatched cottage insurance. We covers both the important risks associated with thatch roofs combined with the unique requirements for your property.

By going direct with us there are no middleman brokerage fees. We aim to keep our rates consistent year-on-year where possible.

Highhouse thatch insurance policies can cover buildings and contents as well as accidental damage should you require it.  Our policies are index linked to protect against inflation. Discounting is available for no claims, combining both your buildings and contents insurance or if you take out several policies with us.

Why do I need thatch insurance

Thatched properties cannot be placed under standard property insurance. These buildings are classified as non-standard construction and come with a greater level of risk associated with thatch roofing.
The associated higher risks that thatch properties carry is because of the extent of damage when a thatched property catches fire as well as the speed in which a fire can spread.

Thatch roof buildings are normally built with lots of character and therefore each one is usually unique. An insurance policy covering all the features to create a standard insurance for thatched properties would be very expensive.

February 17, 2013
Archive

Keiron receive boost towards mobile hoist donation

Highhouse Insurance have contributed £1000 to help make a little boys life at school easier.

Kieron Strange is an eight year old boy suffering with a neuromuscular condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

About 100 boys are born in the UK every year with this condition and Kieron’s progressive muscle weakening condition has meant he has been in a wheel chair since the day before his sixth birthday.

His school already has hoists and other equipment installed and highhouse’s contribution is to help towards fundraising for a folding mobile hoist so that kieron is able to go on school trips without his mum, Teresa, needing to lift him in and out of his wheelchair.

For the full story please visit the article at westsussextoday

February 17, 2013
Home Insurance

Holiday Home Insurance

Key Holiday Home Benefits

  • Tailored Holiday Home Insurance and Second Home policies.
  • We will only cover you for what you need with no gimmicks to push premiums up.
  • Very competitve rates with options to pay monthly by direct debit.
  • Speak directly to staff – No automated phone service.

Second Home Insurance

The nature of holiday homes and second homes means that their insurance requirements are also different and need a tailored insurance package. Risks are naturally greater with a higher chance of theft, vandalism or escape of water. It is important when insuring a property to state that it is used as either a holiday home or second home otherwise this can invalidate your insurance.

February 16, 2013
Landlord

Landlord Insurance

landlord insurance required for let properties
landlord Insurance from Highhouse

Why Choose Highhouse Landlord Insurance

  •  Instant no claims discount.
  •  Competitive rates.
  •  Have Multiple Properties on one landlord insurance policy.
  •  Speak directly to staff – No automated phone service.

Why Landlord Insurance

If you own a property that you rent out then you need a specific type of insurance. This is often referred to as Landlords Insurance or buy to let Insurance.

At Highhouse, our  Landlord insurance is available for most circumstances. From a standard terraced property rented out to working couples to a flat above a commercial property.

We can provide you with a Let insurance policy covering all the usual perils that you and your lender will require.  We are used to dealing with landlords and all property types, we issue our own polices “in house” noting lenders interests if required and we can have you on cover, with the documents over to you, your solicitor or lender, in most cases on the same day.

Landlord Insurance Quotes from Highhouse

Our rates are very competitive against market leaders. Discounting is available for no claims history, renting multiple properties or taking out other policies through Highhouse. We also like to keep our premiums consistent when possible.

Highhouse are more than happy to provide a no obligation quote based on your exact needs. This would include all the cover you would expect from a standard landlords building insurance policy. By discussing your insurance needs directly with our staff and underwriters you will also have the advantage of tailoring the policy, asking questions you may have or discuss any future changes you may need to make to the policy in advance.

Covering a wide range of standard Landlord Insurance requirements including:

  • Landlords legal Liability upto £2,000,000 as standard

As the owner of the property and not the occupier our landlords legal liability will indemnify you for amounts you become legally liable to pay as damages for bodily injury or damage to property caused by an accident at the property insured upto £2,000,000 as standard.

  • Loss of rent

Cover for loss of rent due that you are unable to recover whilst the property cannot be lived following loss or damage covered under the insurance. This cover is for upto 20% of the sum insured for the property.

  • Temporary accommodation

We cover the additional costs of alternative accommodation, which you would have to pay for while the buildings cannot be lived in following loss or damage covered under this insurance upto 20% of the sum insured for the property.

Tailored Landlord Insurance quote from Highhouse

At Highhouse, we believe you should only pay for the level of cover needed. Highhouse bespoke insurance policies are designed to create an insurance policy using the highest level of cover at the most competitive rates.

February 15, 2013
Landlord

HMO Insurance – HMO Landlord Insurance

Hmo Insurance- Shared House Insurance for homes in multiple occupation
Hmo Insurance- Shared House Insurance

Key HMO landlord insurance benefits

  • Instant no claims discount.
  • Competitive rates, only covering your needs.
  • Single or portfolio policies available.
  • Speak directly to one of our advisers.
  • Option to pay by Direct Debit.

HMO Insurance

At Highhouse, we are able to provide shared house insurance or HMO insurance as defined by the Housing Act 2004. We can provide you with a HMO landlord insurance policy covering all the usual perils you and your lender will require. We are used to dealing with landlords and all property types, we issue our own polices “in house” noting lenders interests if required and we can have you on cover, with the documents over to you, your solicitor or lender, in most cases on the same day.

Once you become a client of Highhouse, making adjustments to your policy is simple and you will find it remarkably easy to reach us by phone where we pride ourselves on the speed we deal with all enquiries. We can insure single risks and add additional properties throughout the year to make an insurance portfolio with payments being calculated on a pro-rata basis. We accept payment by most major credit and debit cards, bank transfer or can arrange convenient monthly installments.

Under our facility, we are able to provide cover for most shared house insurance requirements, property types and methods of construction, why not give us a ring; we’ll be pleased to receive your enquiry.

What does HMO mean

HMO stands for House in Multiple Occupation and may also or Multiple Occupancy Homes. In April 2006 new legislation came into force, meaning that HMO licensing became necessary. Failure to obtain the correct HMO license can result in a fine of up to £20,000 and the implementation of the HMO licenses has helped to raise the standards of accommodation. This information is to be treated as a general guide only and the Local Authority should be contacted for more advice on licensing. It also needs to be made clear that the rules and regulations on HMO’s may vary between different Local Authorities.

HMO’s may be defined as follows;

  1. An entire house which is let to at least three tenants who form at least two household and who share either/or a kitchen, bathroom and toilet. A household is defined as the same family members who reside together, married or not, including relatives and half relatives and both adopted and fostered children.
  2. A house that has been converted into bedsits or other non-self-contained accommodation and which is let to at least three tenants who form at least two households and who share either/or a kitchen, bathroom and toilet.
  3. A building which has been converted entirely into self-contained flats if the conversion did not meet with the standards of the 1991 Building Regulations and more than one third of the flats are on short term tenancies.

With regard to the tenants occupying the building, there must be more than one household and a household is defined under the Housing Act 2004 as a single person, co-habiting couples of either the same or different sex or a family unit. We can still provide insurance for situations where only part of the building is currently let, this sometimes happens with refurbishments and it often takes a little time for tenants to move in. We can also provide cover if your property satisfies the definition in relation to at least one third of the property being a HMO, in some cases part of the building is owner occupied (sold on a lease) and the landlord may even live on the premises.

HMO Landlord Insurance

HMO Insurance is a specialist insurance policy designed to meet the requirements for that type of let property.

As HMO properties pose a higher insurance risk (because of the multiple tenants) the HMO landlord has different liabilities and obligations to a standard let property owner. HMO properties need extra protection with regards to fire safety due to an increased fire risk. Consequently certain fire precautions need to be adhered to, such as smoke detectors in every bedroom as well as in communal areas, a heat detector in the kitchen, annual gas safety checks and electric checks every five years. There must also be access to adequate cooking and washing facilities for the number of tenants in the property, as well as enough rubbish bins for the amount of tenants.

How to obtain a HMO Licence

To make an application for an HMO license it is necessary to contact the relevant local authority who will be able to provide you with the application form and will also be able to inform you of the rules in your area and answer any queries. The local authority will be able to give you information relating to the costs involved in the application process, which generally vary depending on type of HMO and the number of tenants in the property. The length of time that the application takes will, of course, depend on various factors, but, providing that the landlord has submitted a valid application, the HMO may continue to operate until a decision has been made by the local authority (including any time taken for appeals). A property inspection may need to be done before a license is granted. The license itself is usually held by the landlord but, if the landlord nominates another person such as a property manager or agent it may then be held by that person. One license is needed per property and it is non- transferable to another property, and the period that it covers is usually five years.

Obtaining HMO Insurance

It’s important when seeking HMO Landlord insurance that you inform the insurers that the property is multi tenured. If you simply request a buy to let quotation for a rented property without disclosing the fact that more than one tenant will be in situ, you may find your cover is compromised. By presenting the insurer with the full facts you will ensure that your HMO property is correctly insured including the necessary liability insurance.
Before operating an HMO, you will need to speak to your local authority who will provide you with the necessary license and alert you to any special requirements with regard to safety at the property.

What sets a HMO apart from other properties used say as holiday home accommodation is that the premises must be the occupant’s main place of residence or used by students during term time. For other uses allowable, you will need to refer to your HMO licence and disclose such usage to us at the time you request a quote.

We believe here at Highhouse you should only pay for the level of cover needed, our bespoke HMO insurance policies are designed to create an insurance policy using the highest level of cover at the most competitive rates.

February 14, 2013
Business Insurance / Landlord

Commercial Landlords

Commerical Insurance Key Benefits

  • Experienced staff & Underwriters with access to an extensive range of markets.
  • Quotations available for properties in excess of £5,000,000 sum insured.
  • We can place almost any type of Commercial Property Insurance with over 200 different property owner policies available including: – shops – offices – takeaways – restaurants – manufacturers – leisure risks – wholesale warehouses – carehomes – pubs
  • Wide variety of Commercial Building Insurance optional extensions available including Landlords Contents, Accidental Damage, Legal Expenses and Terrorism.
  • Worldwide cover available.
  • Discounted multi location policies.
  • Speak directly to staff and underwriters – No automated phone service.

Commercial Business Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance is a must for landlords to protect their buildings against a range of unexpected incidents including fire, flood, storm, escape of water, subsidence, theft and property owners’ liability. Highhouse are able to place a huge range of commercial properties and at very competitive rates. Our experience and working relationships between underwriters and staff at Highhouse with underwriters at Commercial Insurance companies mean that risks can be identified, placed and bound efficiently and comprehensively.
We offer over 200 different types of Commercial Property Insurance within the UK including both single properties and portfolios. Each comprehensive package as standard includes Loss of Rent at 20%, Subsidence and Property Owners Liability £2,000,000.
We are also able to cover similar properties abroad but please contact us to discuss the risk and what you require.

February 13, 2013
Business Insurance

Tradesman Insurance

Tradesman Insurance Key Benefits

  • Tradesman Insurance Policies can cater for the self employed or businesses with employees including both manual and clerical.
  • All risks cover that can be extended to include options such as: -Tradesman Liability Insurance with cover upto £5,000,000, -Employers liability, -Own equipment and plant tools, -Contract works, -Personal accident, -Hired in Plant,
  • No claims bonus
  • Monthly installment payments by direct debit

Highhouse Tradesman Insurance Guide

Diversity between tradesman insurance requirements means that the only way you can ensure you are only paying for the level of cover required and the cover is comprehensive enough for your needs is through having a tailored insurance product. At Highhouse we specialise in doing just this. With our underwriters having over 25 years of knowledge in the marketplace we have been able to find the best insurers in the market. Working directly with their underwriters we have identified the best tradesman policies at the most competitive rates.

February 12, 2013
Thatch Insurance Guides

Looking after your Thatch Roof

thatched roof cottage with well maintained thatched roof
Looking after your thatch roof

How to look after your thatch roof

Your thatched roof insurance may not cover you for every eventuality and it is better to prevent a situtation where there is a need to claim on your thatched roof insurance and less chance of underwriters disputing a potential claim because of neglect.
Owning a thatch property requires different care to properties whose roofs are made of slate, tiles, metal or concrete. This list provides a brief guide to looking after your thatch roof:

1. Inspect the roof periodically, any problems you identify should be dealt with sooner rather than later to prevent the lifespan of the thatch being reduced, as well as the potential expense of the repair.

2. Inspect the eaves close to the wall, if there are dark wet patches this is a good indication that a thatch roof is leaking.

3. The thatch needs to be able to breathe by staying exposed to the sun and the wind, heavy build ups of moss and algae will prevent the roof from drying out.

4. If you can see gullies emerging, or deep vertical patches of rot, you should seek an experienced thatcher.

5. A thatch roof that looks shabby and has fixings exposed all over is usually a good indication that the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.

6. Thatch roofing not only provides protection for your family and buildings against the weather but also wildlife if given the chance. Without the correct precautions and maintenance measures it will not take long before you have a few little neighbours!

– It is advisable to take a walk around your property and look for evidence of birds and animals setting up residents in your thatch every week or so. Animals if given the chance can be quite destructive and quickly, so you want to ensure you spot any unwanted intruders early.
-Evidence of mining in the thatch with small clumps sticking out and around the surrounding area is a good indication that animals and birds may be nesting in the thatch.
-The saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ is relevant here, providing a thatch roof is kept in a good state of repair and the necessary prevention measures are taken, pests rarely pose a problem.

– Cover the roof with wire netting to prevent pests from gaining entry. This is not always necessary for well-maintained roofs where there is no evidence of pests nesting in the thatch but is recommended if you get persistent problems.

– Provide alternative accommodation and food sources. Put up bird boxes around the garden, in areas where they feel safe to nurture their young.

– If you have a problem with squirrels or vermin such as rats. These can arguably do the most damage burrowing quite extensively through the thatch as well as through any cables they may come across on route. Make sure you dispose of waste food and bones in such a way that vermin can’t smell or get access to it, do not put meat in your compost bin. Place bird feeders as far away from the property as possible and if necessary bring them in at night. To get rid of vermin, put poison down in strategic areas where they are likely to ‘take the bait’, call in a professional pest controller if necessary, alternatively get a pet cat, these natural pest controllers will scare of any rodents and what they don’t they will almost certainly kill, eventually.
To deal with squirrels there are now several humane traps available on the market, alternatively contact your local pest controller.

7. You should seek the advice from a professional thatcher when you spot any problems or damage to the thatch.

8. Never climb or let a contractor climb onto the roof or put ladders directly on the thatch without consulting a professional thatcher first so as to prevent any potential damage to the thatch.

Standard duties for thatched house insurance

From an insurance perspective, insurance companies too have a vested interest and want you to look after your thatch roof; for obvious reasons, under many thatch insurance policies endorsements are included that need to be carried out, otherwise the policy could become invalid in event of a fire.

These standard duties can vary between policies but here are the standard duties for Highhouse Thatch Insurance (at the time of writing), please remember to check the endorsements on your own policy as this will directly affect your own cover.

1. All chimneys to solid-fuel stoves, boilers and open fires are kept in a good state of repair and that they are professionally cleaned once a year before winter.

2. All old thatch and thatching is burnt at a distance of more than 100 metres from the premises.

3. No naked flames or tools producing naked flames be present in the attic or loft space at any time.

4. Two fire extinguishers are kept in the home and are maintained in good working order; one of which must be stored in the kitchen and be dry powder.

5. Two smoke alarms are fitted within the home.

6. You must have an electrical certificate issued by a qualified electrical engineer which is not more than 5 years old in respect of the home.

Thatch Roof PDF Care Guide
February 10, 2013
Listed Insurance Guides

What is a Listed building?

What is a listed building and why specialist insurance
What is a listed building?

Listed Buildings and the Law

Listed Buildings form an important part of our nation’s heritage. You don’t necessarily need to be interested in architecture to realise that these buildings provide us with a window to another time and are well worth studying and preserving for future generations to enjoy.

In order to preserve and protect our national heritage the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) maintains a register of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historic Interest. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has a statutory duty to keep this list which identifies buildings of special interest and also gives Local Authorities powers to protect them alongside making their owners responsible for their maintenance. Owners may face prosecution for failure to maintain a listed building or if they carry out unauthorised alterations.
Surveys took place nationwide by professionals in order to compile this list. Where some buildings were omitted, they may be added on at a later date by either ‘spot’ listing or by a Building Preservation Notice, which causes the building to be listed for a period of six months. During that time the DCMS must consider whether it is to become a permanent listing.

To date there are over 500,000 listed buildings in the UK. Listed buildings do not necessarily have to be stately or buildings with a significant historical background. Any man-made structure can be considered for listing from churches or schools, bridges or locks and include smaller structures such as tombstones and telephone boxes.

The DCMS has an approved set of criteria which it uses to judge whether a building warrants a listed status. Advisors are used who are professionals from the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, otherwise known as English Heritage.

What is a listed building and types of Buildings listed

The following types of building are listed:-

  • All buildings built pre 1700 that have stood the test of time and in anything like their original condition.
  • Most buildings built between 1700 and 1840.
  • Only buildings of certain character and quality built between 1840 and 1914 are selectively listed providing they show character and quality, technological advances or designs from notable architects.
  • Some buildings of high quality and/or historic importance built between 1914 and 1939.

The qualities that are looked at when a building is being chosen to be listed include the special value of the building (for example schools, theatres, oast houses), technical innovation (for example early pre-fab constructions) and the association of a building with a well-known character or an event.
Listed buildings are classified in one of three grades to denote their importance. However, this does not mean that one grade is more important or better than another.

In Britain and wales there are three listing categories:

  • Grade I- listed buildings are of exceptional importance, often nationally or even internationally. Only 2.5% of listed buildings fall into this category. Examples of these are the Lloyd’s of London building, Cifton Suspension Bridge and Buckingham Palace
  • Grade II* -listed buildings are of outstanding interest, usually regionally. 5.5% of listed buildings fall into this category and examples are Battersea Power Station and Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge as well as many private dwelling houses.
  • Grade II -listed buildings are both important nationally and of special interest. 92% of listed buildings fall into this category. Most private residential buildings are of this type.

Scotland grades their properties slightly differently into three categories A, B and C:

  • Category A – “Buildings of national or international importance, either architectural or historic or fine little altered examples of some particular period, style or building type”
  • Category B –“Buildings of regional or more than local important, or major examples of some particular period, style or building type which may have been altered”
  • Category C(s)– “Buildings of local importance, lesser examples of any period, style or building type, as originally constructed or altered; and simple, traditional buildings which group well with others in categories. A and B or are part of a planned group such as an estate or an industrial complex.”

Owners of listed buildings are affected by this as a listed building cannot be demolished, extended or altered either internally or externally in any way that would affect it’s character. Listed Building Consent must first be obtained, as well as Planning Permission and Building Regulation Approval having been granted. Listed Building consent is given by the District Council who are advised on such matters by it’s Conservation Officers, who may also consult with English Heritage.

It is important to know what a listed buildings protections or restrictions are and  heavy penalties can be given for any unauthorised alterations or extensions which include a huge fine or possibly imprisonment. Any alterations which affect the character of the listed building and work requiring consent can range from removing an internal feature to adding an extension and includes both the inside and outside of the structure. Therefore before doing any work on a listed property the local planning authority should be contacted, they will then put you in contact with your local conservation officer. This officer will have the authority to advise, issue or deny permission for any alterations to the building and if you get “listed building consent” they may become involved (depending on the nature of the work involved and the importance of the building itself) with the whole process from deciding which materials and techniques are to be used to overseeing the changes themselves and ensuring the character of the building remains unchanged.

Consent for the partial or total demolition of a listed building is only given in very exceptional circumstances.
In order to alter a listed building to either enhance it or simply to carry out a repair it needs highly skilled tradesmen using sympathetic building materials. Therefore, an architect with suitable qualification or a historic building specialist is advisable. The Council will require that all work carried out blends sympathetically with the existing building. UPVC or aluminium window and doors are usually unacceptable.
Listed Building Consent is even needed when Planning Permission is not, for example when replacing windows/doors, painting exterior walls, installing solar panels, alteration or removal of internal features such as fireplaces, panelling and staircases.

It is also advisable to employ a qualified professional with experience of listed buildings to act on your behalf and prevent / foresee any possible problem in the future.

Why do I need listed buildings Insurance

A listed property will require specialist listed building insurance and it is advisable that you speak directly with a specialist insurer rather than arranging listed property insurance through the internet using online quote forms that offer an immediate quote. By speaking to a specialist insurer, they will help  ensure that all your needs are covered and all the facts are disclosed to save problems should you need to make a claim in the future.

In the case of a disaster or even minor repair work, the cost to reinstate the property “like for like” will usually cost more as traditional materials and methods may have to be used to restore the building to the same as before the incident. A local conservation officer or Building Control officer could be involved to ensure this happens and may insist on specialist workmanship or materials to be used, therefore if you have a listed building, then it is important you have insurance for listed buildings.

Neill Kimber ACII is Managing Director of Highhouse Insurance and has a keen interest in historical buildings, he will be pleased to discuss your insurance requirements for your listed property or structure.

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February 10, 2013