Flat roof insurance

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What is flat roof insurance?

Flat roof insurance is essentially home insurance for homes where part or all of the roof is flat. Roofs with a slope of less than 10 degrees are considered flat. You can expect similar benefits to a standard home insurance policy, but it might be more expensive due to the increased risk of damage.

Insurers view flat roofs as higher risk as they are more likely to be damaged in bad weather and are susceptible to leaks. Flat roofs may also make a building less secure.

What do I need to get a quote for my flat roof?

To get a quote you'll need all the same details about you and your home as you would for standard home insurance. But we’ll also need a little bit more information about your roof.

If you tell us that any part of your property has a flat roof, including any outbuildings or garages, you’ll need to tell us what percentage of your roof cover is flat.

To tell us how much of your roof is flat, you'll be asked to choose a percentage range from 10% to 100%. This doesn't have to be exact, but as close as you can estimate.

As with standard home insurance, you'll also need to tell us:

  • When your home was built
  • What type of building it is
  • The rebuild cost of your home
  • The date you moved in or bought it
  • What lock types are on your external doors
  • Which alarms are fitted throughout the home
  • Details of any claims you've made in the last 5 years
  • How much cover you need

If you're adding contents insurance you'll also need to tell us whether there are any high-value items such as jewellery worth more than £1,000 you’d like to cover.

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Why do insurers ask about flat roof?

Flat roofs are at more risk of damage during a storm and heavy rainfall.

Rainwater and other storm debris will naturally slide off a standard gable roof type. But with a flat roof, there’s a greater risk that water could just sit on the roof and eventually leak through. In general, flat roofs need more maintenance than standard sloping roofs.

Flat roofs are also viewed as posing more of a security risk as they can potentially make it easier for burglars to gain entry.

Does home insurance cover roof repairs and leaks on a flat roof?

Your home insurance should cover roof repairs and leaks on a flat roof if the damage is caused by a sudden event such as a storm.

It can be difficult to claim for leaks as you'll need to prove the damage wasn't caused by general wear and tear. Taking photos of any damage caused suddenly can help back up any claim you need to make.

Insurers are less likely to pay out if the damage is due to deterioration that’s happened over time. The key thing to keep in mind is that a flat roof requires more regular maintenance than a standard sloping roof.

How can I protect my flat roof?

Flats roofs are more vulnerable to bad weather than standard sloping roofs. The lifespan of a flat roof is about 10-25 years before they need to be replaced. A gable roof is more likely to last up to 40-50 years.

Here’s what you can do to help protect your flat roof:

  • Check it regularly, inspecting your flat roof for any pools of water or visible damage at least a few times a year.
  • Keep it clean and remove any algae, moss, fungus or debris.
  • Trim overhanging branches to reduce the risk of debris falling from nearby trees and damaging your roof in high winds.
  • Install a good drainage system with plenty of guttering so water easily drains away.

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How can I improve my home security with a flat roof?

Burglars can easily move across a flat roof. But there are some key ways of improving security, including:

  • Anti-climbing products
  • CCTV
  • Security lights
  • Alarm systems
  • Upgraded locks

Using CCTV cameras makes your roof space much less inviting to thieves and can help identify criminals if needed.

Anti-climbing products such as barriers, spikes, paints and warning signs are available to deter burglars from climbing onto your flat roof.

Installing security lights with motion sensors can help deter thieves at night

An alarm system can help foil a burglary if anyone manages to break in. It can also put off criminals if they can see you have a system installed.

Upgrading to high-quality locks on your windows and doors can provide an extra layer of protection.

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What our home insurance expert says:

Flat or low-pitched roofs can be more expensive to insure because they are more likely to be damaged in bad weather. Comparing quotes is the easiest way to save some money and to make sure you get the cover you need.
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