Flat Roof Home Insurance in Ireland: What Homeowners Need to Know

When it comes to insuring a home with a flat roof in Ireland, standard home insurance policies often fall short. If you own a flat-roofed property, it's essential to understand the unique risks involved and why tailored coverage is necessary. At Dolmen Insurance Brokers, we are proud to be one of the leading insurers in Ireland for non-standard home insurance, offering specialist policies that ensure your property is fully protected, no matter how unique it may be.

What is a Flat Roof?

In insurance terms, a flat roof is a roof that is almost completely level, with a slight pitch for water drainage. Typically, a roof with a pitch of 10 degrees or less is considered "flat." These types of roofs are commonly used for modern homes and extensions but can be prone to certain issues, such as water pooling and leaks, making them more susceptible to weather damage than traditional pitched roofs.

Why Standard Home Insurance May Not Be Enough for Flat Roof Homes

Many standard home insurance policies don’t provide adequate coverage for properties with flat roofs due to the higher risk of damage. For example, water ingress or structural issues can be more frequent with flat roofs, which often leads insurers to limit coverage or increase premiums. This leaves homeowners under-insured if they don’t seek out a specialist policy that accounts for these risks.At Dolmen Insurance Brokers, we offer comprehensive flat roof insurance that covers these potential issues, ensuring you're not left exposed.

Key Considerations for Homeowners with Flat Roofs

Owning a home with a flat roof involves additional considerations compared to standard properties. Homeowners must:

• Understand the specific risks associated with flat roofs, including water damage, leaks, and the need for more frequent maintenance.

• Check the percentage of flat roofing if more than 25% of your home has a flat roof, you may need non-standard insurance.

• Ensure the roof material is durable while materials like EPDM rubber and fibreglass are commonly used for flat roofs, some materials may not be covered by standard policies.

• Get regular inspections flat roofs may require more frequent checks for wear and tear, which can also influence insurance premiums.

Specialist Cover at Dolmen Insurance Brokers

At Dolmen, we understand that every home is unique. We provide tailored insurance solutions for a wide range of non-standard properties, including those with flat roofs. Our policies are designed to offer peace of mind, no matter how complex or unconventional your home may be. Some of the specialist cover we offer includes:

• Flat roof homes: Whether your roof is made from fibreglass, felt, or rubber (excluding thatch), we provide coverage for properties with flat roofs, even if over 25% of the roof is flat.

• Inherited homes (Reps of the late): We cover properties where someone, such as a family member, is living in a house that is still in probate.

• Flood or subsidence areas: If your home is in an area prone to flooding or subsidence, we can offer a policy that ensures you’re not left vulnerable.

• Unoccupied homes: Whether the property is unoccupied due to renovations or for other reasons, we cover homes vacant for anywhere from 1 month to 30 years or more.

• Homes with mixed occupancy: Whether you live in the house and rent part of it out or use it for short-term lets like Airbnb, we can provide comprehensive coverage.

• Tenant considerations: We insure properties that house all tenant types, including students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those in emergency or council housing.

Why Choose Dolmen for Non-Standard Home Insurance?

At Dolmen, we specialise in providing insurance for properties that fall outside the scope of standard home policies. As the leading broker for non-standard home insurance in Ireland, we have the expertise to offer coverage for unique risks that other insurers may not touch. Our policies are flexible and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.We provide specialist cover for:

• Homes that are in probate or inherited but occupied by relatives.

• Homes located in flood-prone or subsidence areas.

• Unoccupied homes, whether short-term or long-term.

• Newly purchased properties undergoing renovations before moving in.

• Homes with no formal tenancy agreements or those rented to tenants without a contract.

• Properties rented to students, asylum seekers, refugees, and various tenant types, including those supported by government benefits.

• Homes bought by a company or as part of a pension fund.

• Long-term leases with local councils (10-20 years).

• Properties with commercial activities on-site, such as home businesses.

• Homes with non-standard construction materials, including timber or log cabins.

• Properties with previous gaps in coverage or a poor claims history.

• Properties with owners or tenants who have prior bankruptcies or criminal convictions.

By choosing Dolmen Insurance Brokers, you’re not just getting an insurance policy, you’re getting peace of mind. We work closely with our clients to ensure that all risks are adequately covered, even if your situation is considered non-standard.

In Short

If you own a property with a flat roof in Ireland, it’s crucial to make sure you have the right insurance in place. Flat roofs, while practical and modern, come with specific risks that are often not fully covered by standard home insurance policies. At Dolmen Insurance Brokers, we are proud to be Ireland’s #1 broker for non-standard home insurance, providing comprehensive cover tailored to your unique needs. Whether your property has a flat roof, mixed occupancy, or is located in a high-risk area, we have the expertise and policies to keep your home fully protected.For more information, get in touch with us today to discuss how we can provide the specialist cover your property deserves. Visit our Non-Standard Home Insurance page: https://www.dolmen-insurance.ie/non-standard-home-insurance

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