Questions to Ask an Insurance Expert After a Business Fire Damage Loss

When you experience business fire damage, it may become a front page headline, a six o’clock news story or an internet blurb. Such public awareness may bring a parade of contractors, fire restoration services, and other companies to your place of business. These professionals know you’ll need them sooner or later, so they may fill your mail slot or entryway with offers for inspections, courtesy estimates, and discounts.

Commercial property claims are complicated, so insurance companies send out their most experienced adjusters to handle them. Seasoned adjusters know damage and coverage issues, and while their experience and knowledge should be a comfort to you as you rebuild your business, they can actually make the process more difficult.

Commercial property loss claims are extremely complicated. If your business has suffered a catastrophic loss, your focus is typically on maintaining operations and making critical recovery decisions. It’s not the time to be learning the ins and outs of your insurance policy or the loss claims process.

When you submit a commercial insurance claim, taking charge from the start will help you secure your business's interests. Certified public adjusters will tell you how to take the lead in negotiations - and how to hold that lead until you have what you want.

Even the most conscientious business owners suffer losses and damages that, if not covered by commercial insurance policy, can spell disaster for their organization. That’s why the majority of business owners carry insurance – it gives them the financial protection and peace of mind they need for when the unexpected happens. One of the best ways to ensure your business is adequately insured is through a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).

When you manage a commercial property loss for your business, things can get complicated very quickly. You must resolve issues related to building repairs, damaged personal property, and lost business income. You must establish a working relationship with repair contractors, service professionals, and property insurance claim adjusters. These efforts will take up a lot of your time and they will run simultaneously with your efforts to get your business back up and running again.

You invest your time, money, and resources to keep your business up and running. Despite your hard work and dedication, a single mishap or natural disaster could force you to close your doors forever. A comprehensive insurance program with property, liability and business interruption coverages is the best way to avoid post-disaster outcomes. You probably know the basics of property and liability insurance, but do you understand what’s really covered by your Business Interruption Coverage?

`When you must present a property damage claim to your insurance carrier, you begin the claim process with optimism. The adjuster meets you at the site, hands over a business card and offers consolation. The adjuster inspects your damage, gets your statement, and explains what is needed from you to handle your claim.