Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Specialist Insurance Solutions Since 1938
Established in 1938, we have built a reputation for delivering specialist insurance solutions tailored to niche markets. Our expertise spans leisure and lifestyle sectors, commercial operations, professional risks, and wholesale markets, serving sole traders, SMEs, charities, and not-for-profit organisations. Through partnerships with brokers, associations, and affinity groups, we provide flexible, customised policies designed to meet the evolving needs of our clients. With over 80 years of industry experience, we combine deep market knowledge with a commitment to understanding the unique requirements of our customers. Our Guardcover product suite offers targeted insurance for cycling, photography, music, and pet care, while our unoccupied property and tenant risks solutions address specific housing needs.As part of the PIB Group since 2016, we maintain our focus on innovation and client-centric service delivery. Our team works closely with clients to ensure comprehensive coverage without unnecessary restrictions, particularly for properties left unoccupied. We operate across the UK, managing schemes for local authorities and housing associations while maintaining dedicated account management for scheme clients. Our regulatory compliance under the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 310419) underscores our commitment to professional standards and client trust.
Services
cycleGuard
photoGuard
musicGuard
petGuard
Tourer Select
Unoccupied Property
Thistle Tenant Risks
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We offer over 80 years of experience in niche insurance sectors since 1938
- Our Guardcover suite provides targeted insurance for leisure and lifestyle activities
- We specialise in unoccupied property insurance with 20+ years of expertise
- We partner directly with 700+ local authorities and housing associations
- Our policies offer flexible coverage without unnecessary restrictions
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
Services
cycleGuard
cycleGuard protects cyclists' investments with comprehensive coverage for theft, damage, and accidents. Designed for commuters, hobbyists, and competitive riders, it covers bicycles used for daily transport or sporting events. Our policies ensure financial protection while supporting active lifestyles through tailored insurance solutions.
photoGuard
photoGuard safeguards photography equipment against theft, damage, and accidental loss. Covering amateur and professional photographers, it protects DSLRs, lenses, and lighting equipment during shoots or transportation. Policies provide financial security for essential gear used in commercial and personal projects.
musicGuard
musicGuard covers musical instruments and equipment for performers and venues. Protecting against theft, damage, and transit risks, it supports musicians at gigs, studios, and concerts. Policies ensure continuity for artists relying on expensive instruments and technical gear for their professional activities.
petGuard
petGuard provides veterinary expense coverage and accident protection for pets. Designed for dog and cat owners, it covers unexpected medical treatments, emergencies, and long-term conditions. Policies offer financial security for pet care costs while supporting responsible animal ownership.
Unoccupied Property
Unoccupied Property insurance covers vacant buildings during renovations, probate, or tenancy gaps. Offering protection for residential and commercial properties left unoccupied over 30 days, it addresses risks like vandalism and weather damage excluded from standard policies. Tailored coverage ensures security during transitional ownership periods.
Questions
What specialist insurance products do you offer?
We provide cycleGuard, photoGuard, musicGuard, petGuard, Tourer Select, and unoccupied property insurance tailored to niche markets.
Do you cover unoccupied properties?
Yes, our unoccupied property insurance covers residential and commercial properties left empty for over 30 days.
Are you regulated by the FCA?
Yes, Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 310419).
How do I get tenant insurance?
Through local authorities and housing associations offering Thistle Tenant Risks schemes for affordable home contents coverage.
Reviews (7)
Deb T.
Oct 17, 2021
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Thistle insurance are extremely judgemental when it comes to spent convictions I had a conviction from 2002 nothing to do with arson or fraud etc but this was through the local council housing service and I got rejected based on this they have not talked to me in person just going off a piece of paper pure judgemental personal company. Don't bother trying to apply if you have previous convictions
Scarlett Tomlinson
Oct 15, 2021
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My housing association recommended Thistle to us when we moved into our property last May. We paid our premiums every month, went through a financial rough patch and considered cancelling the policy, what was the chance anything would happen? We did keep the policy, because it was not worth not having it, just in case. The worst happened. My life was turned upside down. We were the victims of an arson attack. Someone had deliberately attacked my family and blew up our outhouse next to the house. It had damaged the house itself and my car and cars across the street the explosion was so intense
Jamie Clibery
Sep 27, 2021
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Positive:Quality
I have only made one claim and it was very quick and easy . Got straight through and I was dealt with brilliantly had the claim payed out quickly too . For me personally ,very happy
I have only made one claim and it was very quick and easy . Got straight through and I was dealt with brilliantly had the claim payed out quickly too . For me personally ,very happy
Heather McDougall
May 16, 2021
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Critical:Responsiveness
Submitted a claim for a damaged washing machine over a month ago, chased them up and was assured Id have a call back in 5 days...still waiting!
Submitted a claim for a damaged washing machine over a month ago, chased them up and was assured Id have a call back in 5 days...still waiting!
Justine Stewart
Dec 04, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Haven't made a claim thankfully but all contact has been professional, quick and easy.
Haven't made a claim thankfully but all contact has been professional, quick and easy.
Emma Gibson
Oct 20, 2019
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Been with Thistle insurance for over 12 months with no claim. I have just cancelled my policy due to moving home and I have been told that I will not be reimbursed any of this months payment which was taken on 1st of the months even though I moved out on the 4th. Today is the 6th so I have used 5 days worth of this insurance which is paid for 31 days. I have been told that I can not transfer this money to my new address as I no longer reside in a housing association property.
Thistle changed payment takers at one point last year (August time) which resulted in 2 payments being taken from my account
Thistle changed payment takers at one point last year (August time) which resulted in 2 payments being taken from my account
Paul R.
Aug 18, 2019
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Worst experience ever . This lot are 100% useless as had a boiler leak effecting whooe of ground floor .They sent so many different people to photograph the same damage it became ridiculous and on top of that they had atleast 4 companys involved in the background . This IS one to avoid unless you want to keep taking time off work for all the different people they send to photograph the same damage. They DONT respond to emails and rarely call you back. Still waiting on my GDPR request that they appear to be ignoring and also a response to my complaint...
