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How accurately insured are UK properties in 2026?
Our latest RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com Infographic brings together findings from tens of thousands of property assessments to provide a fresh look at building insurance accuracy across the UK.
In this recording of a recent webinar, we reveal:
What the latest data tells us about underinsurance and overinsurance
The key trends emerging from this year’s assessment data
What the findings could mean for property owners, brokers and insurers
This is your opportunity to hear directly from our experts.
With insights drawn from more than 46,000 comprehensive property assessments, this session will give you a first look at the realities facing property owners, brokers and insurers in 2026, and what steps are needed to address them.
Watch now to gain further insight into our 2026 infographic findings.
Q&As
How do you calculate underinsurance and overinsurance values? Is it best to provide current building sums insured before an assessment?
Yes. Providing the current building sum insured is helpful because it enables RCA to compare the existing insured value against the assessed rebuild cost. The underinsurance or overinsurance calculation is based on the difference between those two figures.
Is the BCIS House Rebuilding Cost Calculator a good guide for residential rebuild costs?
It can be used as a sense check, but it should not be used to set a sum insured. The calculator's own terms and conditions advise obtaining a professional assessment from a RICS-accredited surveyor or company. RCA uses a more detailed subscribed service with significantly greater levels of cost data and analysis. We explain this in more detail here: https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/post/dont-rely-on-free-rebuild-cost-calculators
How do you determine when a desktop survey is insufficient?
A range of factors are considered, including:
Limited information or imagery available
Listed buildings or properties in conservation areas
High-value properties exceeding desktop assessment thresholds
Complex or unusual building characteristics
The quality and source of floor plans provided
For desktop assessments, clear imagery, accurate property information, building usage, boundary details and any significant alterations are important. Depending on the circumstances, a site survey may still be recommended. We talk about this here: https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/post/desktop-vs-site-rebuild-cost-assessments
Is overinsurance sometimes caused by including VAT when it shouldn't be?
RCA provides rebuild values both including and excluding VAT. However, whether VAT should form part of the insured amount depends on the specific insurance policy. As RCA is not FCA-regulated, this is a question that should ultimately be directed to the insurer or policy provider. View our guide on VAT and rebuild costs here: https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/post/vat-rebuild-costs
How often should a rebuild cost assessment be carried out?
RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com assessments provide cover for a three-year period, and reassessment every three years remains appropriate in many cases. However, if significant changes have been made to the property, such as major renovations or additions, a reassessment should be considered sooner. Every property should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We have a blog on this here: https://www.rebuildcostassessment.com/post/review-your-rebuild-costs-regularly
Some clients believe rebuild cost assessments are deliberately inflated to avoid professional liability. How do you respond?
RCA's assessments are carried out by a RICS-accredited company and must comply with strict professional standards and ethics. Surveyors are required to justify assessments with robust evidence and current cost data, which is updated every fortnight. Figures are not inflated, as doing so would breach professional and ethical obligations. Desktop assessments provide an overall rebuild figure based on construction and usage, although they do not include a full elemental cost breakdown.
Key Takeaway
The webinar concluded that while underinsurance has improved in recent years, more than 90% of UK properties are still insured for the wrong amount. The focus should be on accuracy rather than simply increasing sums insured, with regular reassessments and appropriate valuation methods helping brokers and property owners maintain correct levels of cover.