Being told your block of flats is “uninsurable” can be alarming – especially when buildings insurance is a legal or contractual necessity.
But in most cases, the situation isn’t as final as it sounds.
The reality is that many buildings are not uninsurable – they are simply difficult to place in the standard market.
Why insurers decline blocks of flats
There are several common reasons insurers refuse to quote:
- Fire Safety Concerns
Issues such as cladding, missing fire barriers, or poor compartmentation are now among the biggest red flags. - Lack of Information
Incomplete or unclear risk data often leads insurers to decline rather than investigate further. - Ongoing Remediation
Buildings undergoing or awaiting fire safety works are seen as uncertain risks. - High Sum Insured
Large reinstatement values increase exposure, making insurers more cautious.
What “uninsurable” really means
In practice, “uninsurable” often means:
- Standard insurers won’t quote
- Fewer markets are available
- Premiums may be significantly higher
However, specialist insurers and underwriting facilities may still be willing to consider the risk.
How to make a difficult risk insurable
There are several ways to improve your position:
- Provide a recent Fire Risk Assessment
- Share detailed construction information
- Outline remediation plans and timelines
- Demonstrate active risk management
Presentation is critical — insurers need clarity, not uncertainty.
The importance of using a specialist broker
General insurance brokers may struggle with complex blocks – not due to lack of effort, but lack of access and experience.
A specialist broker can:
- Approach the right insurers from the outset
- Structure the risk appropriately
- Avoid unnecessary declines
- Negotiate more favourable terms
We specialise in “difficult to insure” blocks
At Champion Insurance Group, we focus specifically on blocks of flats that other brokers struggle to place.
Including:
- Buildings with fire safety defects
- Cladding-affected properties
- Blocks previously declined by insurers
Don’t accept “no” as the final answer
If your current insurer has declined renewal – or you’ve been told your building is uninsurable – there are still options available.
Speak to a specialist about your block
If you’ve been told your block of flats is uninsurable – or you’re struggling to obtain quotes – it’s worth getting a second opinion.
At Champion Insurance Group, we specialise in placing buildings insurance for complex and hard-to-insure risks, including blocks affected by fire safety issues and cladding concerns.
We understand how to present your risk to the right insurers and access markets that many brokers simply can’t.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation discussion and see what options are available for your building.
