The Ecclesiastical Heritage Index (EHI) is the first of its kind and tracks the cost of materials and labour associated specifically with buildings of a traditional construction reducing the risk of underinsurance.
The standard General Buildings Cost Index (GBCI) for commercial and House Rebuilding Cost Index (HRCI) for domestic properties are structured around modern construction costs (post WWII). Some specialist elements required to rebuild/repair a traditional building, such as stone masonry, slate and lead, may not be adequately included in the standard indices, if at all. They are included in the Ecclesiastical Heritage Index.