What to expect when they’re inspecting: a guide to insurance desktop and site surveys

According to Rebuild Cost Assessment (RCA), as of September 2025, only 7% of UK properties are correctly insured. Having the correct buildings sums insured for your home is important, as in the event of a claim you may not receive enough to cover the cost of repairs, or in some circumstances, receive nothing at all.

To reduce the likelihood of underinsurance we recommend reviewing your building sum insured every three years. Companies such as BCH or RCA can survey your property and advise you of the rebuild cost.

It’s important to note that an insurance survey is not a condition report, or a homebuyer’s or buildings survey. Its primary purpose is to determine your buildings sum insured, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as a buildings valuation or a rebuild cost assessment.

We’re often asked what to expect when insurers require a survey. Below, we explain the different types of surveys, what they include, when they’re required, and what you can expect during the process.

Desktop Surveys

Desktop Surveys, also called Desktop Valuations (DTV), have one purpose – to calculate the sums insured for your home and any outbuildings. These surveys can be arranged and paid for by you, your insurer, or your broker.

If you’ve been asked to order one and hold a direct insurance policy, it’s worth speaking to a broker first. When we arrange a DTV (and the client pays), it’s usually more cost-effective because we handle the administration and assist with any follow-up queries.

We recommend two surveying companies: BCH Benchmark and RebuildCostAssessment. They use the latest digital tools, including council planning portals, Google Earth Pro along with estate agents details and Streetview.

Prices start at around £125, although many insurers will cover the cost if you have a policy with them. However, DTV’s are not suitable for:

• Listed buildings (Grade 1, Grade 2*, or Grade A in Scotland)
• Home with high rebuild costs (typically over £3m-£5m, depending on the surveyor
• Properties with more than seven outbuildings

If your home falls into one of these categories, a site survey will be required. For advice, speak to an experienced insurance broker.

Enhanced Desktop Surveys

Enhanced Desktop Surveys are usually arranged and funded by your insurer. Unlike a standard desktop survey, these include a phone consultation with the surveyor. During the call, they’ll gather additional details and verify the information your insurer is using to calculate your premium.

The goal is to ensure your property is correctly insured and that your fire and security measures match the information held by your insurer. This extra step helps prevent underinsurance and avoids any issues if you need to make a claim.

Site Surveys

As the name suggests, a site survey involves a surveyor visiting your home to calculate the buildings sum insured. If your insurer arranges the survey, the surveyor will also check your security measures, look for obvious maintenance issues (such as a blocked downpipe), and in some cases review your contents, art and jewellery sums insured with you.

The surveyor may work for an external company or directly for the insurer. Site surveys are the most comprehensive, and typically the most expensive, type of survey. Speak with a broker for recommendations, as they may be able to secure preferential rates. For example, Howden has agreements deals two survey companies and can often arrange discounts for clients.

Site surveys are the only type of survey suitable for:

• Listed homes (Grade 1, Grade 2*, and Grade A in Scotland
• Homes with a rebuild cost exceeding £5 million
• Properties with complex layouts and multiple outbuildings.

Why surveys matter

A survey or buildings valuation ultimately safeguards you in the event of claim, giving your peace of mind that you have enough cover to rebuild your home should the worst happen. In fact, many insurers offer Guaranteed Rebuild Cost or Extended Rebuild Cost once a survey has been completed. This effectively gives you an uplift of between 25% and unlimited on your rebuild figure for at least three years - sometimes longer.

An insurance survey is nothing to worry about. It helps to prevent underinsurance and overinsurance. According to BCH statistics, 59% of buildings are underinsured and 22% are overinsured, meaning some clients rick financial shortfalls while others pay more than necessary for their cover. Read BCH’s latest findings here: https://bch.uk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BCH-Q3-2025-YIN-findings-web.pdf

How Howden can help

We have relationships with BCH and RCA and would be happy to talk you through the process. We can also submit requests and paperwork on your behalf. Our goal is to make sure you’re properly insured and paying the right price for the most suitable policy. It’s just one of the many benefits of using a broker.

To speak to us about your home insurance call 0208 256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninusrance.co.uk