Cyclone Gabrielle and the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes have helped remind us all of the importance of insurance, but have also emphasized the importance of quality insurance advice.

Added Valuation has developed strong connections in the insurance industry which enables us to keep well abreast of insurance valuation requirements, in what is a dynamic period of industry change. Added Valuation produces insurance certificates for all types of commercial property including office, retail, industrial and special purpose commercial property. Our reports are favoured by insurance brokers and property owners because of the detailed investigations our Registered Valuer undertakes and the quality reports we provide.

Property owners normally insure their property against damage from earthquake, fire and other disasters because it is prudent risk management. But for leased or mortgaged property it is normally a contractual requirement to hold adequate reinstatement insurance cover. Obtaining an insurance valuation can help lower your insurance premium cost, and for leased property the cost of obtaining an insurance valuation can normally be passed to the tenant.

A property insurance value differs substantially from a market value in that the values being calculated are mainly concerned with the replacement of the asset in the event of a disaster, and does not concern itself with the land value.

Construction cost inflation can fluctuate significantly, with inflation rates of around 15% in recent years to near zero last decade. Construction inflation continues to be a significant risk, with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle influence supply and materials. Unfortunately costs don’t change evenly. Recently demolition cost inflation has been significantly higher than the general construction rate, as dumping fees have skyrocketed.

Sample commercial insurance report

“Cyclone Gabrielle have helped remind us all of the importance of insurance, but have also emphasized the importance of quality insurance advice”.

Frequently Asked Question’s

What does a commercial insurance valuation provide?

When doing an insurance valuation Added Valuation provides you with a certificate stating the assessed Reinstatement Value, Reinstatement Value Inflationary Provision and Demolition Estimate. It is the total of these three figures which is normally used by our clients to insure their properties. We also provide an Indemnification Depreciated Replacement Cost Value and Indemnification Cost Value Inflationary Provision. Also, upon request, we can supply a Functional Replacement Cost Value and Inflationary Provision.

Below is a brief explanation of the main insurance terminology you need to understand.

Reinstatement Estimate is the estimated cost to rebuild the asset. The rebuild cost includes all costs necessary to meet current Building Act requirements, and covers council and professional fees, and takes into account using current equivalent technology, material and services.

Reinstatement Inflationary Provision is a provision for inflation in the reinstatement cost during the insurance period, claim period, design and consenting period and rebuild period.

Indemnification Depreciated Replacement Cost is the depreciated value of the asset, taking into account the age and condition of the building, and its anticipated life expectancy.

Indemnification Inflationary Provision is a provision for inflation in the reinstatement cost during the insurance period.

Demolition Cost is the cost to clear the site in the event of a loss.

Sum Insured is the sum of the Reinstatement Estimate, Reinstatement Inflationary Provision and Demolition Cost.

Functional Replacement Cost Estimate is the estimated cost required to reinstate all assets to perform similar tasks but under optimum current design and layout conditions with capacity requirements not greater than currently available.

Functional Replacement Cost Inflationary Provision is a provision for inflation in the Functional Replacement Cost during the insurance period, claim period, design and consenting period and rebuild period.

Why use a registered valuer?

The main reason is to ensure you have your asset adequately insured. However obtaining a Registered Valuers insurance report can also lower your insurance costs. A portion of your insurance premium comprises the Fire Service Levy. Under current regulation the Fire Service Levy for commercial property is charged on the full Sum Insured (i.e. replacement cost plus inflation and demolition) unless there is a Registered Valuation of Indemnity Value no more than two years old, or there is a signed declaration by the owner that the Indemnity Value is fair and reasonable.

When doing an insurance valuation Added Valuation also create a detailed record of your property, including taking accurate measurements of the buildings and where possible site works. We provide this record to you in the form of a report (see example attached). The assessment process as a whole benefits from a registered valuer’s experience and knowledge, as well as ensuring we are well placed to assist you with any future valuation work you may require.

Why use Added Valuation?

At Added Valuation we have thoroughly consulted with the industry and developed methodologies and reporting which best meets the insurer’s requirements. We provide detailed reports which enable insurers to quote based upon the actual asset being insured, rather than on a worst case scenario basis for unknown risks.

While all good valuation reports should include details on building construction and materials, at Added Valuation we have developed a report which also provides information on building separation distances, fire protection system, reinstatement period estimate, digital building sketch, thorough photographic record and well researched age information. In addition we provide an asset schedule which provides a building and asset value breakdown.

Added Valuation can also assist you with your market valuation or rental assessment requirements at the same time, saving you time and money.

What does a commercial insurance valuation cost?

Our valuation fees can be calculated on this fee calculator. Because commercial properties vary significantly, in occasional cases where a property has unusual characteristics we may need to contact you to discuss this fee.

Who pays for the commercial insurance valuation?

If your property is leased, the full cost of insurance including our valuation fee can, in most cases, be passed on to the tenant(s). At Added Valuation we invoice the client who instructs us, and you can recover the cost from the tenant were applicable.

How long does a commercial insurance valuation last?

The insurance valuation is intended to cover the upcoming insurance period, which is assumed to be 12 months. It is common place to index adjust the valuation for the next twelve month period. It is prudent to obtain a valuation at least every second year as the Fire Service Levy for commercial property is charged on the full Sum Insured unless there is a Registered Valuation of Indemnity Value no more than two years old. We recommend undertaking a valuation review at least every 2 years, however, where inflation is running a bit higher, it may be appropriate to review annually.

The Insurance Council recommends as follows: Our general advice would be to obtain updated property valuations at least every two years but make sure that it’s supported with adequate inflation provisions for a 24 month period. If that cannot be done then get an updated valuation very year.

What localities do we undertake commercial insurance valuations?

Most of our commercial insurance clients are based in Hastings and Napier. However we have a Registered Valuer in Central Hawkes Bay most weeks, and travel as far south as Dannevirke, and as far north as Wairoa.

We are pleased to say we were very delighted with your report, the professional way you went about it and the speed with which you delivered the very professional report. We also like the attention you gave to our request for some minor alterations and additions to your room-by-room descriptions and for an extra hard copy of the report. One Insurance Broker we were asking for a quotation was pleased we had your report as she said your reports are the best in the business and she always directs her clients to you.

Ross Talbot

I often refer my clients to Rob, all of whom have been very happy with his service, skills and presentation. Rob comes highly recommended.

Ryan McBrearty, Commercial Broker