Recent data has revealed that almost half of business properties are underinsured, with this rather worrying gap partly driven by property owners failing to carry out regular insurance valuations.
The RICS recommends that a full rebuild cost assessment be carried out once every three years as a minimum, or at least any time you make significant changes to the property, like adding an extension.
A rebuild (or reinstatement) cost assessment, as the name suggests, is about evaluating the cost of rebuilding the property from the ground up in the event of a catastrophic event like a fire or a flood, but too few business owners are aware of its importance.
But if you’ve gone many years without getting a proper valuation, a rebuild cost assessment doesn’t necessarily involve a costly in-person site visit — many providers now carry out their assessments remotely, and this is called a desktop rebuild cost assessment.
Looking for an accurate, up-to-date valuation of your property’s rebuild costs?
Check out these five UK-based desktop rebuild cost assessment providers.
1. Rebuild Cost Assessment (RCA)
If the name doesn’t say it all, RCA is one of the UK’s most trusted reinstatement cost assessment providers, providing both in-person and desktop rebuild cost assessment services.
They work with a team of RICS-regulated surveyors who use cutting-edge technology combined with detailed property data to produce accurate reinstatement valuations, yet one of the things that makes them stand out is their refreshingly straightforward process — you simply provide a few key details like property address and floor area, and their experts take it from there.
RCA is known for its transparent pricing with no hidden extras, and their desktop assessments typically cost under £200. They deliver reports quickly, too — often within five working days — which is ideal if you need to update your insurance cover promptly. Their reports include detailed recommendations to help eliminate underinsurance risks.
Rebuild Cost Assessment supports both residential and commercial properties, so whether you’re insuring an office block or a private home, they can help. Overall, if you want peace of mind without the hassle of a site visit, RCA is a top contender.
2. Barrett Corp & Harrington (BCH)
Barrett Corp & Harrington, often referred to simply as BCH, is another big name when it comes to desktop rebuild cost assessments in the UK, well-known for offering a highly professional, tailored service.
BCH employs a team of experienced building surveyors and cost consultants who focus on getting the details right — they don’t just churn out generic reports — but what most clients appreciate about BCH is their approach. Even with a desktop service, they’re happy to hop on the phone or arrange a video call if needed.
Their team takes into account things like location-specific factors, unusual construction methods, or specialist finishes, which some providers might overlook in a remote assessment.
BCH’s reports are recognised by most UK insurers, and they offer a fast turnaround, typically within a week. They’re particularly popular with commercial landlords and managing agents because of their expertise in larger or more complex buildings.
3. Cardinus Risk Management
Cardinus has been around for decades, helping businesses and property owners identify and reduce risk, and their rebuild cost assessments are a key part of this directive.
Their desktop service is designed to be straightforward, efficient and cost-effective, with a strong focus on making sure clients don’t fall into the all-too-common underinsurance trap.
Cardinus combines property data with advanced mapping and valuation tools to provide precise assessments, and they package their reports in a clear, easy-to-understand way so you don’t have to second-guess what the figures mean.
They’re used to working with corporate clients, too, so they’re a good pick if you have a portfolio of properties and want consistency across multiple sites.
Their turnaround times are quick — usually five to seven working days — and their fees are pretty competitive. Plus, if you need help with fire risk assessments or health and safety audits alongside your valuation, they can bundle these services together.
4. Sedgwick
You might know Sedgwick as a global loss adjuster, but they also offer desktop rebuild cost assessments in the UK — and they do so with the same high standards.
What’s appealing about Sedgwick’s service is the depth of expertise behind it. Their valuations are produced by experienced surveyors who understand insurance requirements inside out.
Sedgwick uses high-resolution imagery, property data, and market analysis to produce accurate rebuild cost assessments without setting a single foot on site. They’re especially good at handling complex cases like listed buildings or large industrial sites, which often makes them a go-to for businesses with unusual or high-value assets.
Another plus is that Sedgwick’s reports are trusted by most major insurers, so you’re unlikely to face any issues with acceptance. And if a claim ever arises, their dual role as loss adjusters and valuation experts means they understand how the figures play out in practice.
5. Aspen Risk Management
Aspen Risk Management offers a refreshingly personal touch with its desktop rebuild cost assessments. They’re a smaller, independent firm, sure, but that’s part of their charm. You’re more likely to get direct contact with an experienced surveyor rather than going through layers of admin.
Aspen focuses squarely on accuracy and practicality. Their assessments are based on detailed property information you provide, combined with satellite imagery and up-to-date cost data. They’re happy to advise on what information will give the most reliable result, so if you’re not sure what photos or documents are needed, they’ll guide you through it.
Their reports are generally clear and written with insurance compliance in mind, while many clients praise Aspen’s willingness to answer follow-up questions. They can handle everything from single properties to multi-site portfolios, and like others on this list, they offer fairly quick turnaround times, usually within a week.
Choosing the right desktop rebuild cost assessment service is crucial if you want to avoid underinsurance and protect your property fully. Whether you’re looking for a big-name provider or a more boutique approach, you’ve got some excellent options in the UK to help ensure your property is valued accurately, without the need for a site visit.
