Listed Building Insurance

In 1947, as a result of extensive damage due to heavy bombing during the course of World War 2, the government of the day decided to institute a register of buildings of historical or national importance, in order to preserve our national heritage for future generations.

Generally speaking, the older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed, as with all buildings which were built before 1700.

Most buildings constructed between 1700 and 1840 are also listed as a matter of course. Between the years 1840 and 1914 buildings will only be listed if they have "character and quality", and only then if they are under threat.

There are three distinct categories of listed buildings;

• Grade 1. These are buildings considered to be of exceptional interest
• Grade 2. Buildings considered as important examples of special interest
• Grade 3. Buildings of special interest

The listings categories for Scotland and Northern Ireland are slightly different.

When insuring any "listed" building, great care must be taken to ensure that the cover offered will be sufficient for any work required in the event of a claim. The cost of all building work is usually a great deal more for a listed building, than for a modern structure, due to the specialist skills, and materials that may be required.

The cost of alternative accommodation must be carefully considered within the policy, as usually re-build times for listed buildings are greater than for conventional buildings.

Further considerations have to be taken into account where the building contains special features, such as Tudor Staircases, Adams fireplaces, or exceptional carved woodwork, all of which should be insured for an agreed sum.

To summarise, insuring a listed building must be approached with meticulous care to detail, as even the smallest claim may cost thousands of pounds.

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