Question 1

What is Desktop Refresh?

Accepted Answer

Desktop Refresh updates an existing RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com Desktop Rebuild Cost Assessment report using current rebuild cost data. It's a quick, cost-effective alternative to a full reassessment where the property hasn't changed.

Question 2

Who can order a Desktop Refresh?

Accepted Answer

Desktop Refresh is available exclusively to brokers with an active RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com account.

Question 3

When should I use Desktop Refresh?

Accepted Answer

Desktop Refresh is suitable when:
An existing RCA report is available.
The report is less than three years old.
The property hasn't been altered.
You'd like to review the rebuild cost before renewal.

Question 4

When shouldn't I use Desktop Refresh?

Accepted Answer

If the property has been extended, significantly altered or no longer reflects the original assessment, a new Rebuild Cost Assessment may be more appropriate.

Desktop Refresh is also not available for Grade I, Grade II*, Category A or Grade A listed buildings.

If you're unsure, speak to your Account Manager and we'll point you in the right direction.

Question 5

How much does Desktop Refresh cost?

Accepted Answer

Desktop Refresh costs £60 + VAT per report. This gets added to your invoice.

Question 6

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Simply, choose Desktop Refresh from the service options and complete the order form.

You'll need:

Your RCA account number
The original RCA report reference
The property's address

Question 7

Can I order a Desktop Refresh if the original report wasn't completed by RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com?

Accepted Answer

No. Desktop Refresh is only available for existing RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com Desktop Assessment reports.

Question 8

Is Desktop Refresh the same as a new Rebuild Cost Assessment?

Accepted Answer

No.

Desktop Refresh updates an existing RCA report using current rebuild cost data where the property remains suitable.

A full Rebuild Cost Assessment is required where significant changes have been made to the property or a new assessment is otherwise needed.

Question 9

Why shouldn't I just rely on indexation?

Accepted Answer

Indexation plays an important role, but it doesn't always reflect changes in construction costs, legislation, materials or labour availability. Desktop Refresh provides an updated review of the rebuild cost, helping you and your clients make more informed renewal decisions.

Question 10

What information do I need before I order?

Accepted Answer

To place an order, you'll need:

Your RCA account number
The original RCA report reference
The property's address

That's all we need to get started.

Question 11

What is the difference between rebuild cost and market value?

Accepted Answer

Rebuild cost is what it would cost to demolish the existing structure, clear the site, and rebuild the property from scratch — including labour, materials, professional fees and demolition. Market value is what the property would sell for on the open market, which reflects land value, location and demand. The two figures are rarely the same, and insurance should always be based on rebuild cost, not market value.

Question 12

How do I know if my portfolio may be underinsured?

Accepted Answer

If rebuild figures have not been professionally reviewed in the last three years, if properties have been altered, extended or improved since the figure was last set, or if the original figure was based on purchase price or market value rather than rebuild cost, you should assume there is risk. The checker is the quickest way to sense-check your position before moving to a full assessment.

Question 13

When is a desktop assessment enough?

Accepted Answer

Desktop assessment works well for most standard residential and commercial properties where reliable remote information is available — including flats, houses, HMOs, blocks of flats, and standard rental stock. It is completed using mapping data, imagery, property information and BCIS cost data, with no need for a site visit.

Question 14

What if one property in my portfolio is not suitable for desktop?

Accepted Answer

We will tell you before proceeding, explain why a site assessment would give you a more defensible result, and either refund you or make no charge. You do not need to identify the right method yourself — that is part of the triage process.

Question 15

How often should rebuild values be reviewed?

Accepted Answer

ABI guidance recommends reviewing rebuild cost at renewal and after renovation or extension work. A professional assessment is typically a reliable baseline for around three years, though significant cost inflation or physical changes to the property can justify earlier review. The Protect option includes two annual refresh calculations so the figure stays current without requiring a full reassessment each year.

Question 16

Can you handle multiple properties in one process?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Portfolio clients can submit multiple properties together. We triage the portfolio, recommend the right method for each building, and process the assessments as a single instruction. Reduced rates are available for portfolios of five or more properties — use the portfolio quote route to discuss this.

Question 17

What does the checker actually tell me?

Accepted Answer

The checker gives you a quick indication of whether your current declared value appears to be broadly aligned with what a professional assessment might find — or whether the gap looks significant enough to warrant a closer look. It is a useful first step, not a substitute for a full professional assessment. Your result is delivered by email, with a clear recommendation for next steps.

Question 18

What should I send to get started?

Accepted Answer

For the checker, enter your name, email address, property type, current sum insured banding and postcode area. For a full assessment, the property address, an approximate floor area or existing plans if available, and photographs of the front, rear and any significant features are the main inputs. A full checklist is provided at order stage — you do not need to prepare anything in advance.

Question 19

What is underinsurance?

Accepted Answer

Underinsurance occurs when a property is insured for less than its true rebuild cost, meaning a claim may not fully cover repair or rebuilding costs.

Question 20

Is rebuild cost the same as market value?

Accepted Answer

No. Market value includes land and location. Rebuild cost is the cost to reconstruct the building itself, which is what insurance should be based on.

Question 21

What is a desktop rebuild cost assessment?

Accepted Answer

A desktop rebuild cost assessment is a professional property valuation completed remotely using advanced technology, aerial imagery, and expert analysis. It provides accurate rebuild cost estimates without requiring a physical site visit.

Question 22

How accurate are desktop assessments?

Accepted Answer

Desktop assessments use the same professional standards, BCIS data, and RICS-regulated assessors as on-site assessments. For standard properties with clear information, desktop assessments provide highly accurate valuations that insurers accept.

Question 23

How long does a desktop assessment take?

Accepted Answer

We provide a status for how long our desktop assessments are currently taking at the top of the homepage of our website. If it becomes apparent an assessment may take longer than this, we will contact you and advise you accordingly.

Question 24

Do I need to be present for a desktop assessment?

Accepted Answer

No, desktop assessments are completed entirely remotely. You just need to provide property information, and our assessors complete the valuation using available data and imagery.

Question 25

Is a desktop assessment suitable for commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes, desktop assessments work well for many commercial properties, including rental properties, blocks of flats, and standard commercial buildings. For unique or complex properties, a site visit may be recommended.

Question 26

Will my insurer accept a desktop assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our RICS-regulated desktop assessments meet professional standards and are accepted by UK insurers. Our assessments are completed by qualified assessors using industry-standard methodologies.

Question 27

What's the difference between desktop and site assessment?

Accepted Answer

Desktop assessments are completed remotely without a site visit, while site assessments involve a physical inspection. Desktop assessments are faster and more cost-effective for standard properties, while site assessments may be needed for unique or complex properties.

Question 28

Can I get a desktop assessment for multiple properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes, desktop assessments are ideal for property portfolios. You can order assessments for multiple properties, and the remote nature makes this process efficient and cost-effective.

Question 29

How much will it cost my client?

Accepted Answer

A desktop Rebuild Cost Assessment (RCA) will cost your client £178.69 (incl VAT), which is less than our standard direct price of £210.00.

Question 30

How can I explain and promote your RCA service to my client?

Accepted Answer

We've put together several resources to help you explain to your clients why they should insure their buildings for the right amount. Check out the resource page on our website.

Question 31

How do you collect the payment?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you arrange your client’s RCA on their behalf online, we send them an email automatically with a link to our secure payment page.

Question 32

What about VAT?

Accepted Answer

Our prices include VAT. Because the RCA final order and payment transaction is made by your client, they will be able to recover VAT if they are VAT registered and entitled to do so.

Question 33

What information do I need to collect to place an order?

Accepted Answer

As well as your contact details and your client’s contact details, we will need information concerning the property. As well as basic details, such as address and postcode, you can also supply the following optional and helpful information:
A policy number and renewal month
Existing sums insured/declared value
Unusual features, such as basement, mezzanine
Listed status

Question 34

What happens when the payment is received?

Accepted Answer

As soon as payment is received from the client (and therefore the order is confirmed), we will proceed with producing a Rebuild Cost Assessment report for the property.

Question 35

What happens if payment is NOT received?

Accepted Answer

If payment is not received within 5 working days, we will send an email reminder to your client. If payment is not subsequently received within a further 5 working days, we will advise the client we are not proceeding with their RCA and will also advise you accordingly.

Question 36

What happens if a desktop assessment cannot be carried out on the property?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, usually because of unusual property features, we are unable to complete a desktop RCA. If this happens, we will immediately refund your client and email them confirmation of this together with our quote for a site assessment. We will copy you in should this happen.

Question 37

What will my client receive from the assessment?

Accepted Answer

Your client will receive a comprehensive Rebuild Cost Assessment report. You can view sample Household and Commercial Rebuild Cost Assessment reports on our website.

Question 38

Will I receive a copy of the Rebuild Cost Assessment report?

Accepted Answer

The Rebuild Cost Assessment report will firstly be sent to you (the broker) by email, to forward on to your client. Please note your client will receive an email from us 21 days after sending you the report requesting feedback.

Question 39

Is this similar to a rebuild cost calculator?

Accepted Answer

No, it's not. This tool doesn't provide specific figures for a property's rebuild cost. Instead, it will indicate the likelihood of a property being underinsured, overinsured, or accurately insured based on data from similar properties within the same postcode area.

Question 40

Can you email me the results?

Accepted Answer

The results are almost instant! You’ll see the likelihood of being under, over or accurately insured soon after once you hit ‘Go’. You can download a one-page report presenting the results by clicking ‘view your PDF report,’ which can be passed on to your client.

Question 41

How do I order a rebuild cost assessment?

Accepted Answer

Just click here and follow the on-page instructions.

Question 42

Do you store the details from the form?

Accepted Answer

No. The details you enter will be used for lookup purposes only and then deleted.

Question 43

Are the results property specific?

Accepted Answer

No, the results are based on properties that we have assessed within the postcode area you have provided on the form. We’ve assessed over 150,000 properties in the UK, covering every single postcode area.

Question 44

What is the purpose of the rebuild checker?

Accepted Answer

To indicate the likelihood a property is under, over or accurately insured. It helps to illustrate the high risk of inaccurate property insurance in the UK. It can be used for both residential and commercial properties.

Question 45

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

We have assessed over 150,000 properties in the UK from every postcode area. Once assessed, we have determined whether a property is underinsured, overinsured, or accurately insured. Using this data, we can confidently indicate the likelihood of other properties' insurance status based on the rates of underinsurance, overinsurance, and accurate insurance in each postcode area.

Question 46

What is the cost of an Enhanced Commercial Desktop assessment?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an Enhanced Commercial Desktop assessment is £375 + VAT.

Question 47

How do I order an Enhanced Commercial Desktop?

Accepted Answer

ECDs cannot be ordered directly. Please place your order for a desktop or request a site quote as usual, and our team will advise you when an ECD is suitable.

Question 48

What is the turnaround time for an assessment?

Accepted Answer

You can find our current turnaround times in the top banner of our website. If an assessment may take longer than expected, we will contact you to advise accordingly.

Question 49

How is an ECD different to a Desktop?

Accepted Answer

An ECD is the same process as a standard desktop, with an added phone call with one of our RICS-regulated surveyors. Utilising the surveyor's experience and expertise, this conversation enables us to assess high-value properties remotely by gathering specific details.

Question 50

Who does the surveyor need to speak to about the building?

Accepted Answer

We need to speak to the/a person who is responsible for the building’s maintenance/insurance. This would need to be someone with knowledge of the property who can confidently confirm specific property details.

Question 51

What questions might be asked on the call?

Accepted Answer

Our surveyors may ask to confirm the floor levels, usage of the building, internal specifications, etc. This is a great opportunity to inform our surveyor of any work that has been completed on the property.

Question 52

What if we don’t have someone who knows the answers to the questions asked?

Accepted Answer

If you are unable to provide our surveyor with the information they require, we will offer a site survey.

Question 53

How does the rebuild checker work?

Accepted Answer

We have assessed over 150,000 properties in the UK from every postcode area. Once assessed, we have determined whether a property is under, over or accurately insured. Using this data, we can confidently indicate the likelihood of other property’s insurance status due to the rate of under, over, and accurate insurance in each postcode area.

Question 54

What is the purpose of the rebuild checker?

Accepted Answer

The checker is there for property owners to find out the likelihood their property is under, over or accurately insured. It helps to illustrate the high risk of inaccurate property insurance in the UK. It can be used for both residential and commercial properties.

Question 55

Is this similar to a rebuild cost calculator?

Accepted Answer

No, this tool doesn't provide specific figures for a property's rebuild cost. Instead, it indicates the likelihood of a property being underinsured, overinsured, or accurately insured based on data from similar properties within the same postcode area.

Question 56

Are the results property specific?

Accepted Answer

No, the results are based on properties that we have assessed within the postcode area you have provided on the form. We’ve assessed over 150,000 properties in the UK, covering every single postcode area.

Question 57

Do you store the details from the form?

Accepted Answer

No. The details you enter will be used for lookup purposes only and then deleted, unless you indicate you would like to receive updates, news and offers from us by clicking the checkbox above.

Question 58

How do I order a desktop rebuild cost assessment?

Accepted Answer

Just click here and follow the on-page instructions.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Desktop Refresh?

Who can order a Desktop Refresh?

When should I use Desktop Refresh?

When shouldn't I use Desktop Refresh?

How much does Desktop Refresh cost?

How do I place an order?

Can I order a Desktop Refresh if the original report wasn't completed by RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com?

Is Desktop Refresh the same as a new Rebuild Cost Assessment?

Why shouldn't I just rely on indexation?

What information do I need before I order?

What is the difference between rebuild cost and market value?

How do I know if my portfolio may be underinsured?

When is a desktop assessment enough?

What if one property in my portfolio is not suitable for desktop?

How often should rebuild values be reviewed?

Can you handle multiple properties in one process?

What does the checker actually tell me?

What should I send to get started?

What is underinsurance?

Is rebuild cost the same as market value?

What is a desktop rebuild cost assessment?

How accurate are desktop assessments?

How long does a desktop assessment take?

Do I need to be present for a desktop assessment?

Is a desktop assessment suitable for commercial properties?

Will my insurer accept a desktop assessment?

What's the difference between desktop and site assessment?

Can I get a desktop assessment for multiple properties?

How much will it cost my client?

How can I explain and promote your RCA service to my client?

How do you collect the payment?

What about VAT?

What information do I need to collect to place an order?

What happens when the payment is received?

What happens if payment is NOT received?

What happens if a desktop assessment cannot be carried out on the property?

What will my client receive from the assessment?

Will I receive a copy of the Rebuild Cost Assessment report?

Is this similar to a rebuild cost calculator?

Can you email me the results?

How do I order a rebuild cost assessment?

Do you store the details from the form?

Are the results property specific?

What is the purpose of the rebuild checker?

How does it work?

What is the cost of an Enhanced Commercial Desktop assessment?

How do I order an Enhanced Commercial Desktop?

What is the turnaround time for an assessment?

How is an ECD different to a Desktop?

Who does the surveyor need to speak to about the building?

What questions might be asked on the call?

What if we don’t have someone who knows the answers to the questions asked?

How does the rebuild checker work?

What is the purpose of the rebuild checker?

Is this similar to a rebuild cost calculator?

Are the results property specific?

Do you store the details from the form?

How do I order a desktop rebuild cost assessment?

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