In days gone by, an insurance assessment for a commercial property would involve an agent physically visiting the site. And this would make sense, given that surely an assessor would need to see what they’re dealing with first-hand to make an accurate assessment?
Nowadays, however, it’s not always necessary for a surveyor to be onsite to conduct an insurance valuation. With so much information now publicly available, it can be done without the assessor ever having to leave their desk.
This type of evaluation is called a desktop assessment service, and it’s typically no less accurate than an in-person assessment — just a lot less expensive (a visit from an assessor can run into the hundreds or even thousands) and altogether more convenient, since you don’t have to be onsite to greet the assessor and show them around.
If you’re a commercial landlord looking for an insurance evaluation on one of your properties, but you’d rather not fork out for a physical assessment, a desktop insurance assessment might be just what you need.
Here, we run through 5 desktop assessment service providers offering convenience and cost-effectiveness.
1. Rebuild Cost Assessment
Starting with a desktop assessment provider whose name says it all, Rebuild Cost Assessment is committed to tackling underinsurance by providing an accurate rebuild cost — which is the total amount you should be insuring your business for, a fact many landlords overlook.
When you request a desktop assessment from Rebuild Cost Assessment, their RICS-regulated surveyors use publicly available data and mapping tools to deliver a reliable and comprehensive evaluation of your property — without ever setting foot on the site.
You simply provide your property address, any relevant floor plans or photographs you may have, and Rebuild Cost Assessment takes care of the rest. Reports include a full breakdown of how the rebuild cost has been calculated, so you can confidently use it when arranging or renewing your insurance policy.
For commercial landlords looking to avoid costly site visits without compromising on accuracy, Rebuild Cost Assessment offers a great balance of quality and convenience — making them a solid first choice in this space.
2. BCH Reinstatement Cost Assessments
BCH (Burns & Co.) has a long history of delivering reinstatement cost assessments across the UK. Their desktop service is ideal for commercial landlords who need a fast, professional opinion of a property’s rebuild value — often within just a few days of submitting details.
They use a combination of internal data, satellite imagery, floor plans, and industry benchmarks to estimate rebuild costs. What’s especially useful about BCH is their flexibility: if the desktop approach doesn’t yield sufficient detail, they’ll advise whether a hybrid or in-person approach is more appropriate — with no hard upsell.
Their service is especially well suited to landlords with multiple properties, as BCH can handle portfolio-wide assessments efficiently and cost-effectively. Every report is aligned with RICS guidelines and includes enough detail to satisfy insurers, brokers, and underwriters alike.
3. Barrett Corp & Harrington Ltd
Not to be confused with BCH above, Barrett Corp & Harrington (BC&H) is another respected name in the assessment space, and they also offer a remote or ‘desktop’ option for clients who don’t require — or would rather avoid — an onsite visit.
BC&H’s desktop rebuild cost assessments are built on decades of commercial property valuation experience. They work closely with clients to gather the right details, including plans and property descriptions, using this to calculate accurate estimates for rebuilding costs.
Their approach is tailored — they won’t take on a desktop assessment unless they believe they can do it justice. That means no cookie-cutter reports; everything is considered in the context of the specific building and its features. This makes BC&H a particularly good choice for landlords with more complex or ‘quirky’ properties.
4. Sedgwick Desktop Surveys
Sedgwick is a global name in the insurance and claims management space, and their desktop valuation services are just as robust and professional as you’d expect from an organization of their scale.
Their UK-based desktop assessments are handled by trained surveyors who specialize in commercial properties. Using a combination of aerial imagery, property databases, and client-supplied documentation, Sedgwick delivers reports that are insurer-approved and tailored to meet exact requirements.
While their pricing may sit a little higher than some smaller providers, you’re getting access to serious expertise and a global standard of service. For landlords managing larger or higher-value commercial premises — or those working across multiple sites — Sedgwick brings peace of mind that the figures you’re working with are both defensible and up to date.
5. Gleeds
Gleeds is an international property and construction consultancy with over 135 years of experience in valuation and cost management. Their reinstatement cost assessment service includes a robust desktop option, perfect for landlords wanting quick turnaround without the disruption of a site visit.
Their team of RICS-registered professionals uses high-grade property data, satellite imagery, and internal cost modelling to provide accurate rebuild cost assessments. For commercial landlords, Gleeds brings the added benefit of deep sector knowledge — whether it’s office buildings or retail units.
What sets them apart is their strategic insight: they don’t just give you a figure, they explain the underlying assumptions and offer advice on how to review valuations regularly as markets shift. If you’re after more than just a number on a PDF, Gleeds is a partner worth considering.
Seeking a commercial property insurance assessment but want to avoid the cost and disruption of an onsite visit? A desktop evaluation offers convenience without compromising on accuracy or scope. Rebuild Cost Assessment is often considered the leader in providing reliable desktop assessment services, but your choice of provider will depend on your business’s unique needs and quirks.