Surveying

Criterion Surveyors are leading insurance Surveyors for High-Net-Worth properties including listed buildings, high value houses and unique homes. We also provide full and detailed risk appraisals and surveys for estates, farms and commercial premises throughout the UK.

With Surveyors based all around the UK, we provide genuine nationwide coverage. We are always able to agree a time and date for the Survey to be undertaken that is convenient to the homeowner. The inspection will include the main house, any outbuildings and all external permanent structures that are insured or are to be insured under the policy. Following our attendance, we will be able to provide an accurate assessment of the rebuilding cost which will avoid the risk of being either over or under insured and will therefore ensure the correct premium is paid.

Typically, but not exclusively, our insurer clients purchase this product, which is the most comprehensive service we offer. During a full appraisal we attend the loss site in person, carry out a detailed inspection and meet the owner/occupier.

Our report provides detailed information and advice on:

• Rebuilding costs
• General contents, fine art and valuables
• Main structures and any architectural or period features
• Occupancy levels and any notable profile
• Location
• Security
• Fire protections
• Plumbing
• Flooding vulnerability
• Recommended risk improvements
• Comprehensive photographs including aerial view and flood maps

This appraisal provides detailed information about the risk and feeds into underwriting decisions about the correct premium for cover.

Brokers predominately purchase this service, which has grown out of a demand for support to accurately assess appropriate sums insured for private clients. Our service avoids policyholders being underinsured. We have seen professional indemnity claims made against broker for supplying poor advice and inaccurate sums insured and our service helps them avoid these problems and gives their own client confidence in the level of cover they have bought.

Where our appraisal forms part of a risk submission to insurers, it also gives confidence to underwriters and can be a powerful tool for brokers in securing placement.

This is a growing area of our business and provides brokers and their clients with a detailed report covering:

• Adequacy of sums insured
• Risk improvements
• Coverage issues (warranties/endorsements)

In some circumstances, a comprehensive in-person survey is not needed, and we provide a remote rebuilding cost appraisal service. We have access to a wide array of remote mapping technologies as well as extensive property sales databases and planning research. When a full survey is not required, our desktop appraisal will provide a cost-effective alternative.