16.06.26

2026 Underinsurance Challenges: A Strategic Approach for Commercial Buildings

Underinsurance remains a significant concern for UK commercial property owners in 2026, driven by factors such as rising construction costs and increasing climate-related risks. Without accurate and up-to-date valuations, businesses may face substantial financial shortfalls when making a claim. We review the 2026 underinsurance challenges and offer a strategic approach for your commercial buildings.

To emphasize the current situation of underinsurance Aviva found that 67% of policies showed underinsurance, and the gap was significant. On average, sums insured were 79% below the estimated cost of rebuild.

Why Underinsurance is Increasing

Construction costs continue to rise across the UK. According to industry data, building material prices increased in the year leading up to early 2026, placing upward pressure on rebuild costs. If sums insured are not regularly updated, policies may no longer reflect the true cost of rebuilding, increasing the risk of uncovered losses.

Regulatory developments, such as the Building Safety Act and evolving energy efficiency standards, are also increasing the complexity and cost of rebuilding for certain properties. Furthermore, many commercial buildings include specialist features, bespoke layouts or historic elements that may not be fully reflected in standard valuations.

Compounding these issues, climate change is contributing to more frequent and severe weather events, increasing the likelihood of damage and the cost of repairs.

The Hidden Risk of the Average Clause

Underinsurance does not impact only total losses. Most commercial property policies include an “average” clause, meaning that if a property is underinsured, any claim pay out may be reduced proportionately – even for partial losses.

Despite this risk, many organisations fail to regularly review their sums insured. Industry research suggests that a majority of businesses overlook routine property valuation updates, leaving them exposed.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Organisations can take several steps to reduce the risk of underinsurance, including the following:

• Base sums insured on rebuild cost. Ensure valuations reflect the full cost of rebuilding, not market value.
• Account for property-specific factors. Consider listed status, specialist materials, bespoke interiors and regulatory requirements.
• Review cover annually. Regular reviews help ensure that sums insured remain aligned with current costs and risks.
• Obtain professional valuations. Commission periodic rebuild cost assessments to maintain accuracy.
• Reassess business interruption cover. With more complex repairs and supply chain delays, indemnity periods should be reviewed to ensure adequate protection.

Looking Ahead

Underinsurance is likely to remain a key concern as construction costs, labour shortages and supply chain pressures continue to shift rebuild values. At the same time, evolving building safety and energy efficiency requirements may increase reinstatement costs, particularly for older or complex properties.

Climate-related risks are also intensifying, with more frequent severe weather events driving higher repair costs and longer recovery times.

In this environment, organisations should take a proactive approach that includes regularly reviewing valuations, accounting for emerging risks, and working closely with brokers and risk advisers to maintain appropriate levels of cover.

For more risk management guidance, contact us today.

Information provided by Zywave and contributed by  Harrison Law, (Cert CII) Head of Commercial & Private Clients, Cox Mahon Ltd.