Some properties like heritage or listed buildings need special insurance, here’s the word on a new partnership that aims to fill the gaps;
Pen Underwriting, the multi-class multi-territory managing general agent (MGA), has today announced a new strategic partnership with Hadron UK Insurance Company Limited (Hadron), the multinational specialty carrier, to provide underwriting capacity for Pen’s long-standing specialism in the UK thatched and personal leisure property risks market.
Coming into effect on 1 September 2026, the multi-year agreement will enable Pen to write a further £50 million gross written premium over the next three years. The risk-management-led proposition covers thatched homes, beach huts, touring and static caravans, chalets and park homes in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man – with all eligible properties also benefiting from Flood Re capability.
The agreement builds on the team’s 25 years of continuous specialist underwriting experience in thatch and leisure risks, supporting brokers and their customers with non-standard construction risks in a market that has become increasingly restricted in recent years. Through requisite surveys, inspections and wider support, Pen’s proposition helps brokers and their homeowner clients proactively manage the unique challenges associated with non-standard construction risks, to improve resilience and prevent losses, especially through fire and flood.
Pen delivers its non-standard home insurance solutions through a diversified distribution model, digitally and transactionally, working with both insurance brokers and specialist coverholders that hold delegated authority.
Leo Downes, Head of Household and Personal Lines at Pen Underwriting, said: “Successfully and sustainably underwriting non-standard construction risks — particularly thatched homes and leisure-focused property — requires rigorous risk management, quality data, specialist expertise and a proven track record. Our experience in this sector stretches back 25 years meaning we can offer brokers tried and tested insurance solutions that really deliver when their customers are most in need, while making sure we are here for the long-term. We are excited to partner with Hadron and continue our commitment to this highly specialist segment of the non-standard home insurance market.”
Andrew Booth, Managing Director of Property & Personal at Pen Underwriting, added: “The process of selecting Hadron as our new strategic partner for thatch and leisure highlighted many common strengths and priorities. Driven by a shared desire for speed to market, the team at Hadron demonstrated flexibility and rigour at every turn with a clear ability to structure and deploy capacity efficiently. We very much look forward to building on this first strategic partnership, in what is such an important niche market for brokers and their customers.”
Colin Johnson, International CEO at Hadron, said: “Partnering with Pen Underwriting reflects the kind of long-term, disciplined relationship we set out to build at Hadron. Thatch and leisure is a class of business where real underwriting judgement matters more than a standard rate table, and Pen’s 25 years in this space made them a natural fit. We’re excited to get started, and we see this very much as the beginning of a partnership we expect to grow for years to come.”
