2026 will see much more risk-adverse behaviour from lenders and insurers alike. For blocks of flats, well-packaged risk data is key to securing better insurance terms including lower premiums, more favourable deductibles, and broader cover.
Here we will be explaining what underwriters will be asking for and how management companies should package the information. We will also explain typical renewal timelines (and why preparing 6 to 10 weeks ahead can make a real difference).
Why Risk Data Matters More Than Ever
Insurers and brokers are demanding much more detailed and verifiable risk information. Improved underwriting models now make distinctions between blocks based on actual data rather than broad postcode assumptions.
A recent analysis by The Times noted that “improved data models could prove vital in dismissing postcode generalisations and providing a more granular basis for underwriting.”
In practice, this means that a block that can demonstrate a consistent maintenance regime, recent risk assessments, digital logs of servicing and inspections, and clarity around construction type and occupancy will likely be treated more favourably than one with gaps or weak data.
Underwriting guidelines for blocks of flats already highlight key criteria such as age, construction type, previous loss history, presence of fire-safety systems, external wall risk and occupancy. But in 2026, the differential is likely to widen – the better your data and mitigation history, the stronger your negotiating position will be.
What Underwriters Are Likely to Ask For
As you approach renewal, expect the insurer or broker to request several sets of data, typically including:
- Fact-finding details such as location, number of units, number of storeys, construction type (e.g., purpose-built vs conversion), age of building, occupancy type (owner-occupied, rented, mixed).
- A full claims history including any water escape, fire, subsidence, lift breakdown etc. Underwriters will want to know dates, causes, amounts, remedial action taken.
- Risk mitigation documentation – for example, a recent fire risk assessment, maintenance log for lifts, fire doors, alarms, any external wall fire-risk assessments if applicable.
- Asset register/servicing records. They need to see demonstrated evidence that communal systems are maintained on a schedule.
- Data on external environment risks (e.g. flooding, subsidence), proximity to fire stations, crime data etc.
- Valuation and rebuild cost to ensure the sum insured reflects current replacement cost, avoiding underinsurance (which insurers penalise).
- Digital “golden thread” style records. Although more common for taller buildings, mid-rise blocks increasingly benefit from having a clearly documented history of inspections, interventions and outcomes.
How to Package the Information
To make the most of risk data and present the block attractively to insurers, you should create a clear summary risk-pack. This is a concise file (e.g. a PDF) which provides a building overview:
- Construction type
- Occupancy
- Claims summary
- Recent mitigation works
- Asset registers
You can also include a list of recent mitigations such as having installed CCTV, the date of your last fire door inspection and the outcome and confirmation of how long it has been since a claim was last made.
Then you can go on to include your supporting documents, ideally digitally. When all documents are held in one searchable folder or portal, underwriters can review things easily and quickly. Documents to include are the latest fire risk assessments, service records for key systems and confirmation of the required sum insured.
It can be helpful to include a one-pager of anticipated questions and their answers. If you think the insurer may be unclear on certain information, e.g. are any of the flats sublet? Are there any remediation works planned? It can be helpful to provide this information before you are asked.
Under the Insurance Act 2015 you must make a fair presentation of risk -any material misstatement or omission may affect cover or claims.
Typical Timeline for 2026 Renewals
To get the best terms in 2026, you will need to follow a proactive timeline:
- 6 to10 weeks before renewal: Start gathering data. Pull together past claims, inspection logs, maintenance records, recent surveys.
- 4 to 6 weeks before renewal: Provide your summary risk-pack to the broker. They can then obtain alternative quotes and begin negotiations. If there are remedial actions (e.g. fire-door survey, inspection of external walls), plan them now.
- 2 to 4 weeks before renewal: Finalise quotes, check policy cover details, sums insured, excesses, exclusions. Use your risk-data pack to justify better terms.
- Renewal date: Accept the best policy. Ensure your renewal documentation reflects what was presented and that any warranties or conditions are practical.
- Post-renewal: Store all documentation digitally and review the year’s inspections and servicing so you can be ahead of next cycle.
Why Good Risk Data Saves Money
There are three main ways high-quality risk data benefits your premium. Firstly, you will have access to better pricing. Insurers reward blocks where risk is well understood and mitigated. If you demonstrate fewer unknowns, you may secure a lower rate.
Secondly,a strong risk-profile may lead to lower excesses or more favourable terms (for example, less stringent exclusions). Lastly, insurers may be more willing to include broader cover (subsidence, external wall risk, malicious damage) if they see structured data, rather than issuing major exclusions or subjectivities.
Conclusion
For 2026 renewals, good risk data is a powerful tool. Packages that bring clarity put you in a much stronger position with insurers. Designing a 6-to-10-week renewal preparation timeline, creating a clear document pack and being ready for detailed underwriting questions will help stabilise or even reduce premiums, improve your cover and give residents greater confidence in your governance.
By getting ahead and treating risk-data as a strategic asset, you set your block up for smoother renewals, better value and stronger cover into the future.
