Cover shaped by architectural importance
Our listed building insurance is tailored to homes of special architectural or historic interest. From Grade II properties to ones of exceptional significance, your cover reflects what makes it irreplaceable.
Rebuild costs, conservation standards and listed building consent are all included. Claims over £25,000 benefit from a large loss excess waiver. We also support valuations through a trusted network of specialist surveyors.
Our team understands the legal and structural demands of protected buildings. You receive personal service, with digital-first access whenever you need support.
Regulated by the FCA | Underwritten by A Rated insurers
Listed property insurance built around you
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Rebuild and alternative accommodation
Rebuild or repair in the same form, style and condition as new. Up to 36 months’ alternative accommodation if uninhabitable after an insured event.
Fees, surveys and local requirements
Architect and surveyor fees plus costs to meet Government or Local Authority requirements, within policy limits.
Fast, expert support
Digital-first cover, tailored advice, and your own advisor. Excess waived on claims over £25,000.
How our cover makes life simple for you
Policy documents
Only a summary of the policy's coverage is presented on this page. Read these documents to fully understand what is and isn't covered
Your home's buildings
We cover the physical structure of your home, any outbuildings, decorative finishes or permanent fittings in your home.
Building works
If you are carrying out building works on your home, we will cover you up to £75,000, but let us know if it's going to cost more than this.
Full rebuild cover with survey
Where a current rivr-authorised survey is held, we pay the full rebuild cost even if above the sum insured. Grade 1 listed buildings are excluded..
Alternative accommodation
If you can't live in your home for up to 3 years due to some insured damage we will pay for somewhere else for you to live.
Emergency access
We will pay for damage due to forced entry during a medical emergency or to prevent damage to your home.
Accidental damage
We will pay for any damage caused accidentally.
Secure your cover in 3 simple steps
Our service really begins once you purchase cover. Manage your policy online - adjust your cover and manage claims. Dedicated specialist claims team if the worst happens.Your advisor is available anytime to support you.
Answer a few questions
Review your quote and conditions
Accept your quote
Our insurance
Get started online in minutes. No paperwork.
Bespoke coverage through our dedicated advisors
Insurance can be complex, but we can guide you through it. Your dedicated rivr advisor is here to help you, whilst explaining our cover, answering questions, and ensuring you get the right coverage with confidence.
Protection for your heritage home
What is a listed building?
A listed building is one officially protected due to its special architectural or historic interest. These buildings appear on the statutory list maintained by local authorities or Historic England.
There are three main grades:
- Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest
- Grade II*: Particularly important buildings
- Grade II: Buildings of special interest
Owners must get listed building consent from their local planning authority before making repairs or alterations to preserve the building’s architectural importance and historic interest.
Because of this, listed property insurance must cover full rebuild costs, including specialist materials, labour, fees, and permissions. Standard home insurance often does not provide this.
Our insurance offers tailored cover for Grade II and other listed homes, with specialist advice and support from experienced surveyors.
Why do you need specialist insurance for a listed building?
Listed homes have unique protection needs due to their historical and architectural interest. Repairs and rebuilding require consent from your local council or conservation officer. Work must preserve the building’s heritage using traditional materials and methods, often increasing the rebuild cost significantly.
Standard home insurance usually excludes or limits cover for these specialist repairs and permissions. Without adequate listed property insurance, you risk facing large, unexpected expenses after an insured event.
Our listed building insurance includes:
- Full reinstatement costs using original materials
- Fees for specialist surveyors and quantity surveyors
- Compliance with local authority and planning requirements
- Personal service for Grade II and other buildings of special interest
How do I protect my listed building?
- Always plan repairs or renovations carefully around bank holidays, as local authority and emergency services may have limited availability.
- Ensure your burglar alarms are maintained and fully operational to help prevent loss or damage.
- Keep emergency contacts ready and understand your home emergency cover to act quickly if urgent repairs are needed.
- Work with insurers like rivr who have extensive experience in managing listed building insurance claims.
- Document the exact number of original features or important architectural elements in your home for insurance and consent purposes.
Frequently asked questions
The policy is insured by two of the largest insurance companies in the world, which are both A-rated for their financial strength. The Buildings, Contents and Liability cover is insured by HDI Global Specialty SE. The Home Emergency and Family Legal Protection cover is insured by AmTrust Specialty.
Yes. We can insure Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed homes in England and Wales, as well as Category A, B and C listed properties in Scotland.
Yes we do insure most buildings that are made of non-standard materials like timber or wattle and daub, but these are evaluated on a case by case basis.
If you hold an up-to-date, rivr-authorised survey, we pay the full cost to rebuild or repair at the time of loss, even if it exceeds the buildings sum insured.
Grade 1 listed buildings are excluded from this enhancement.
Following a valid claim, we cover debris removal, architect and surveyor fees, and costs to comply with Government or Local Authority requirements, up to 25 percent of the buildings sum insured.
Normally home insurance providers will not cover your home if any building works are being carried out. At rivr we still insure your home when building works are being carried out as long as the contract for the works is less than £75,000. If the works are costing more than this we can arrange separate specialist cover for renovations through our specialist insurance partner.
Consent is required for any demolition, including partial, and for any internal or external alteration or extension that affects the building’s special architectural or historic interest. It can also apply to structures within the curtilage that predate 1 July 1948. Like for like repairs that do not affect character may not need consent, but confirm with your Local Planning Authority.
Consent is separate from planning permission, unauthorised works are a criminal offence, and there is no application fee in England.
Prices vary by rebuild cost, construction, location, and claims history. In many cases it is higher than for a standard home because repairs may need approved traditional materials and specialist trades.
Standard buildings insurance covers typical homes, while high-value buildings insurance is designed for properties with a higher rebuild cost or unique features. High-value insurance provides more extensive coverage for expensive materials, luxury finishes, and special architectural elements that may not be fully covered by a standard policy. It also often includes higher claim limits and additional protection options.
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