Steel Frame Property Insurance
Steel frame property insurance is designed for homes and buildings constructed with steel as a primary structural material, which may be treated as non-standard construction by insurers.
Because steel frame properties can have different structural, corrosion, maintenance, rebuild and valuation considerations from traditional construction, a specialist broker may be able to help review suitable cover options.
Referral enquiries may be reviewed by a specialist insurance broker, subject to underwriting criteria, insurer acceptance, terms and conditions.
Specialist Referral Support for Steel Frame Properties
Steel frame properties can include residential homes, commercial buildings, converted structures, modular properties and other buildings where steel forms a key part of the structural frame.
Quote Monkey may be able to refer your enquiry to a specialist insurance broker who can review the construction details, property condition, occupancy, rebuild value and cover requirements.
Common Insurance Sections for Steel Frame Properties
Buildings Insurance
Buildings insurance may help protect the structure of the steel frame property, including the frame, walls, roof, floors, foundations, fixtures, fittings, outbuildings and permanent features, subject to the policy wording.
Non-Standard Construction Cover
Steel frame properties may be reviewed as non-standard construction. Insurers may ask about the frame type, cladding, age, corrosion protection, structural reports, construction method and maintenance history.
Contents Insurance
Contents cover may help protect furniture, appliances, personal belongings, valuables and household items kept inside the steel frame property.
Property Owners' Liability Insurance
Property owners' liability may help protect against certain claims if a visitor, contractor, neighbour or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged and you are held legally liable.
Loss of Rent or Alternative Accommodation
Depending on the property use, some policies may include loss of rent or alternative accommodation if the property cannot be occupied following insured damage.
Who May Need Steel Frame Property Insurance?
Steel frame property insurance may be suitable for:
Owners of steel frame homes
Owners of non-standard construction homes
Commercial property owners
Residential landlords
Property investors
Owners of modular or prefabricated buildings
Owners of converted steel frame buildings
Mixed-use property owners
Owners of rural or industrial-style buildings
Owners of steel frame holiday homes
Managing agents responsible for steel frame properties
Owners needing buildings, contents and liability review
Why Steel Frame Properties Need Specialist Review
Steel frame buildings can differ significantly from standard construction. Insurers may want to understand the structural system, external cladding, age of the frame, exposure to corrosion, maintenance history and whether any surveys or structural reports are available.
The use of the building can also affect cover, especially where the property is let, used commercially, partly vacant, converted, listed, modular or part of a larger portfolio.
Buildings, Contents and Structural Considerations
Buildings cover for steel frame properties may need accurate rebuild calculations because repair methods, replacement materials and specialist contractors can differ from standard masonry construction.
Where contents cover is needed, insurers may also consider whether the property is owner-occupied, let, vacant, used commercially or used as a holiday home.
Other Non-Standard Construction Types
Steel frame is one example of non-standard construction. Other property types that may need specialist review can include timber frame, straw bale, cob, rammed earth, modular, concrete block, glass and steel, thatched roof, historic and listed buildings.
Each construction type can present different insurance considerations, so accurate construction details are important when requesting a specialist broker referral.
Information a Specialist Broker May Ask For
To review a steel frame property insurance referral, a broker may ask for:
Property address and postcode
Property age and type
Construction method and materials
Steel frame details
External wall and cladding details
Roof construction
Foundation and floor details
Whether any structural reports are available
Whether corrosion, movement or maintenance issues are known
Rebuild value
Contents value
Occupancy details
Whether the property is owner-occupied, let, vacant or used commercially
Claims history
Whether any works are planned
Whether buildings, contents, liability, loss of rent or alternative accommodation cover is required
What May Not Be Covered
Steel frame property insurance cover depends on the insurer, construction details, property condition, occupancy, policy wording, exclusions and conditions. Common restricted or excluded areas may include:
Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
Poor maintenance
Existing structural damage or known defects
Corrosion or movement not caused by an insured event
Undeclared non-standard construction details
Unoccupied periods not disclosed to the insurer
Tenant, commercial or holiday letting use not declared
Major works or structural alterations unless agreed by the insurer
Theft without forced or violent entry, depending on policy terms
Claims outside the insured use or construction description
Failure to comply with inspection or maintenance conditions
Always check the full policy wording, schedule, exclusions, endorsements and conditions before relying on cover.
Request a Specialist Broker Referral
If you need steel frame property insurance reviewed by a specialist broker, you can submit details of the construction, occupancy, rebuild value, structural condition and required cover.
Referral enquiries may be reviewed by a specialist insurance broker, subject to underwriting criteria, insurer acceptance, terms and conditions.