Flat Roof Insurance is not a problem for Top Insure

Flat Roof Insurance is not as straight forward as you think …

Does your property have a flat roof? What percentage of the roof is flat? Does your broker know? These are important questions to consider when insuring homes with a flat roof. This is because standard policies do not provide cover for flat roof properties. As a result, you need a specialist Flat Roof Insurance policy. Generally speaking, an insurance advisor asks if the property has a flat roof. And, if you answer ‘yes’, there are three things the advisor will seek:

1. The year of construction
2. The materials(s) used to make the roof
3. Date of replacement (if ever)

Brokers certainly offer cover for some properties with flat roofs. In particular, in cases where a flat roof makes up less than 25% of the building, there seems to be no problem. But, if this figure goes beyond the 25% mark, issues arise. By and large, the insured risk is too much. However, there exist brokers who have specialist policies for flat roofs. Yet, you will have to pay more than usual. On top of this, you will also have restrictions on cover.

How to Measure the Percentage of Your Flat Roof

Before seeking insurance for your property with a flat roof, it’s crucial to determine the percentage of your roof that is flat. This information will help you find the right insurance policy and ensure you receive accurate quotes. Follow these steps to measure the percentage of your flat roof:

1. Take measurements of your roof: Begin by measuring the total area of your roof. You can do this by measuring the length and width of each section of your roof and multiplying these dimensions together to calculate the area. Make sure to include both flat and pitched sections in your measurements. If you are unsure about taking these measurements yourself, consider hiring a professional to ensure accuracy.
2. Measure the flat section(s) of your roof: Next, measure the area of the flat section(s) of your roof by following the same method as above. Measure the length and width of each flat section and multiply these dimensions together to calculate the area.
3. Calculate the percentage: To determine the percentage of your roof that is flat, divide the total area of the flat section(s) by the total area of your roof. Multiply this number by 100 to get the percentage of your roof that is flat. For example, if your roof’s total area is 2,000 square feet and the flat section(s) have an area of 500 square feet, the percentage of your roof that is flat would be (500 ÷ 2,000) × 100 = 25%.

Flat Roof Percentage = (Total Area of Flat Sections ÷ Total Roof Area) × 100

4. Document your findings: Keep a record of your measurements and calculations, as this information will be useful when discussing your property with insurance brokers. Make sure to include any relevant details, such as the materials used for the flat roof and the date of its last replacement, if applicable.

By accurately measuring the percentage of your roof that is flat, you can ensure you receive appropriate insurance coverage for your property. Remember to be transparent about this information when seeking quotes and discussing your property with insurance brokers, as this will help you find the best policy for your needs.

Challenges in Finding Flat Roof Insurance

In fact, many broker websites may not give you a quote for properties where the majority of the roof is flat. Where websites offer quotes for such properties, examine the quote carefully. In particular, people should note the quote’s terms of conditions before accepting cover. This is due to not having a potential claim honoured. Take the example of somebody who makes a flat roof leak claim on a standard policy. As the flat roof was never noted under the policy, the insurer is not obliged to honour the claim. This is because the policyholder did not declare that the property had a flat roof.

How to Find the Right Flat Roof Insurance Policy

Unsure about any quotes you recently got online? Finding it hard to get quotes at all? Why not ask someone that knows about getting a top deal? Top Insure has a strong relationship with many specialist providers. Our expert insurance brokers ensure to find the best deal possible. Why not give us a call or ask for someone to call you back at a more convenient time?

Tips for Flat Roof Property Owners

1. Be honest about your property: Always disclose the fact that your property has a flat roof when seeking insurance. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises when making a claim.
2. Shop around: It’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best deal for your specific property.
3. Maintain your roof: Regular maintenance of your flat roof can help prevent leaks and other damage. This can, in turn, help lower your insurance premiums.
4. Consider a specialist provider: As mentioned earlier, some brokers offer specialist policies for flat roofs. These providers may be more knowledgeable about the unique risks associated with flat roofs and can provide tailored coverage.
5. Understand the policy terms: Carefully review the terms and conditions of your policy to ensure you understand the coverage provided and any restrictions that may apply.

In conclusion, insuring a property with a flat roof can be more challenging than insuring a property with a traditional pitched roof. However, by being upfront about your property’s characteristics, shopping around for the best deal, and working with a knowledgeable insurance broker, you can find a suitable Flat Roof Insurance policy that provides the coverage you need.