Property Surveys for Insurance Companies

A reinstatement valuation is an assessment of the cost to demolish, clear and rebuild a property to its existing specification in the event of total loss, including professional fees, compliance with current Building Regulations, and any other costs that would be incurred in a complete rebuild. It is different from market value, which reflects what a property would sell for. If the sum insured on a policy is based on market value rather than reinstatement cost, the policyholder is at risk of underinsurance and could face a reduced settlement under the average clause. Our reinstatement valuations are prepared in accordance with RICS professional standards and give you a fully itemised, defensible figure.

For urgent claims, such as fire, significant storm damage or escape of water affecting habitability, we aim to have a surveyor on site within 48 to 72 hours of receiving your instruction. For subsidence claims, which are time-sensitive but less acute, we typically inspect within 5 working days. We understand that faster inspection means faster reserving, faster settlement and a better policyholder experience, so we prioritise claims work and will always give you a realistic inspection date at the point of instruction.

Yes, subsidence investigation is a significant part of our insurance work. We assess the pattern, extent and likely cause of cracking and movement, distinguishing between subsidence (downward movement caused by soil shrinkage, tree root activity or leaking drains), heave (upward movement), landslip and historic settlement. Our investigations typically include crack monitoring recommendations, tree influence assessment using NHBC guidelines, and drainage survey coordination. We provide a clear conclusion on cause and a costed scope of remedial works, which may range from superstructure repairs following removal of the cause through to underpinning where necessary.

Where a survey is commissioned for a claim that may become disputed, we can produce our report in accordance with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules and the associated Practice Direction, including the statement of truth and declaration of the expert's duty to the court. Our surveyors are experienced in giving expert evidence and understand the difference between an expert witness report, a formal claim investigation report and a routine reinstatement valuation. We will confirm at the point of instruction which format is required.

Yes, we regularly undertake portfolio valuation exercises for insurers, MGAs and brokers who want to audit the sum insured accuracy across their book of high-value or non-standard properties. We sample or survey the full portfolio as required, providing a summary report with aggregate findings and a property-by-property schedule of assessed reinstatement costs against declared sums insured. This helps you identify underinsurance exposure, advise policyholders on appropriate cover levels and demonstrate to your reinsurers that sum insured risk is being actively managed.

Non-standard construction properties, including thatched roofs, timber-framed buildings, listed buildings and properties with unconventional materials, require specialist knowledge. Our surveyors have specific experience with these property types and understand the particular reinstatement challenges they present, including the limited availability of specialist contractors, the cost of traditional materials, the requirements of conservation officers and the extended reinstatement periods that often apply. Our reinstatement valuations for non-standard properties include a detailed commentary on the construction method and the assumptions underpinning the cost assessment, giving underwriters the information they need to price the risk and set appropriate terms.