Different occupancies and layouts can affect construction, access and reinstatement requirements.
Rebuild assessments for property owners
Is your property insured for the full cost of reinstatement?
A professional desktop assessment gives landlords and property owners a reliable basis for reviewing the buildings sum insured—including demolition, fees and rebuilding costs—without a site visit.
- £132 fixed fee
- No site visit
- RICS-regulated provider
Specialist assessment for let and investment propertyMarket value is not rebuild cost. Rebuild cost can include demolition, professional fees, debris removal, materials and labour—not just the price you paid for the property.
Why check your figure?
Underinsurance can reduce a buildings claim
Where an average clause forms part of the policy, insurers can reduce a claim in proportion to the level of underinsurance. This may apply to partial damage as well as a total loss.
Investment property may include several units, mixed commercial and residential use, communal areas, outbuildings and landlord’s fixtures. The amount paid for the property is not a reliable measure of the cost to clear and rebuild it.
Illustrative buildings claim
Declared value£750,000
Assessed rebuild cost£1,000,000
The property is underinsured by25%£250,000 below the assessed rebuild cost
Insured damage£100,000 claim
£750,000 insured÷£1,000,000 required=75%
Illustrative claim payment£75,000
You may have to fund£25,000
This simplified illustration assumes the average clause is applied before any policy excess. The actual outcome depends on the policy terms, claim circumstances and insurer’s assessment.What the assessment considers
Features that can affect the rebuild cost
A tailored assessment considers the premises as a building—not simply its sale price or business contents.
Stairs, corridors, entrance areas and shared services form part of the overall building.
A suitable declared value may need to allow for debris removal, consultants and statutory requirements.
Traditional materials, conservation requirements and specialist workmanship can increase costs.
Garages, stores, walls and other insured structures can be missed when reviewing the sum insured.
The report provides professional guidance relevant to VAT treatment and the rebuilding period.
Buildings, fixtures or contents? The assessment provides a professional rebuilding-cost figure. Your insurance adviser can help you distinguish the building and landlord’s fixtures from movable trade contents, tenants’ improvements or plant that may need separate cover.
69%
of commercial properties assessed were underinsured
Rebuild Cost Assessment Limited’s currently published commercial-property data also reports that underinsured buildings are covered for only 67% of the amount required on average.
Professional desktop assessment
What happens after you order
Tell us about the premises
Complete one secure form and add an optional supporting document.
Professional assessment
The provider reviews your information alongside mapping, aerial imagery and current BCIS regional rebuilding-cost data.
Receive the report
Your report gives the recommended rebuild value, cost breakdown, measurements, images, maps and methodology.
Completed by Rebuild Cost Assessment LimitedA RICS-regulated provider. Please allow approximately 14–21 working days once all required information has been supplied.
Published statistics and service information: Rebuild Cost Assessment Limited. The statistic relates to commercial properties generally.
Video 1
Why we cannot simply tell you the rebuild value
Video 2
How underinsurance can reduce a claim
See what you will receive
View an example commercial report
See the provider’s official sample before placing the order.
- Recommended rebuild value and VAT guidance
- Building, professional and demolition costs
- Property measurements, photographs and maps
- Assessment methodology and basis
View the sample report →Fixed fee: £132
Order your property owner assessment
- No site visit required
- Allow approximately 14–21 working days
Secure LAP order form
If the form does not appear, open the secure form in a new tab.
Common questions
Before you order
Will anyone visit the premises?
No. This is a desktop assessment completed remotely using your information, mapping, aerial imagery and professional rebuilding-cost data.
What information will I need?
Please provide the property address, construction details, number and use of units, floors, basements, communal areas, outbuildings, listed status and any major alterations. You may also add a supporting file such as floor plans, a previous survey, planning documents or photographs.
How and when do I pay?
Payment of £132 is required before the assessment is instructed. LAP will review your order and explain the payment arrangements.
How long will the report take?
Please allow approximately 14–21 working days after all required information has been supplied.
Does the report change my insurance automatically?
No. The report helps you review the buildings sum insured with your insurance adviser. It does not amend your policy automatically.
Is every property suitable for a desktop assessment?
Most standard premises can be assessed remotely. Large portfolios, listed buildings, unusual construction or highly complex mixed-use developments may require further information or a different assessment. We will contact you before proceeding if this applies.
How LAP uses the information in this order
L A P Insurance Brokers Ltd uses the information you provide to arrange and administer your rebuild cost assessment, contact you about the order and meet applicable legal and regulatory obligations. Information needed to complete the assessment will be shared with Rebuild Cost Assessment Limited and processed through Zoho Forms. We retain records in line with our legal and regulatory requirements. To ask about your information or exercise your data-protection rights, email admin@lapinsurance.co.uk. You may also complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.