22Jul

During 10 eventful years of operation, most small businesses will need to submit some kind of commercial insurance claim. If you are in any exciting phase of growth, small business insurance could keep you very well-protected from accidents you cannot control. There is not always a “typical blueprint” while you are on the way to success. A random accident such as a slip and fall could change things drastically. In the unpredictable world of business, surprises are around every corner, and not all of them are pleasant.

Imagine arriving at your office one morning to find it flooded due to a burst pipe or discovering that a critical data breach has compromised your customers’ sensitive information. One of your rock star employees may be injured on the job, leading to costly workers’ compensation claims, or an unforeseen lawsuit threatens your financial stability. These unexpected events can wreak havoc on your operations and ability to function well. This is where commercial insurance becomes indispensable. It acts as a safety net to protect your business from the unforeseen and helps you navigate through the storm with peace of mind.

A sense of familiarity with the most common business insurance claims will be very helpful if the time comes to be sure that a claim you file needs to be acted on immediately. Here are some of the claims we see frequently here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles, and the unique risks they pose to things running smoothly.

Burglary and Theft Claim:

Regardless of the type of business you operate, the risk of burglary or theft is ever-present. It could come from a petty thief, an angry customer, or a disgruntled employee. Anything from a food truck to a consulting business can be confronted with an activity that shakes your smooth operation. Among all types of business insurance claims, burglary is the most frequently reported. A significant portion of commercial insurance claims are linked to incidents of burglary and theft.

Fire:

Small business owners often underestimate the damaging potential of fire, unaware of the numerous common causes until it’s too late. Many fail to realize the extensive time and financial resources required to clean up and restore operations after a fire. Fire and police departments need time to complete investigations, and insurance companies will also assess your property claims. Necessary repairs add to the already frustrating delays. Fires can inflict significant property damage incredibly quickly, posing a severe threat to a small business without adequate insurance coverage. This event is so tumultuous that you won’t want to deal with the consequences unprotected.

Weather Damage Claim:

When Mother Nature arrives furiously on the scene, things can become intense quite quickly! It may be hail, a few feet of fresh powder, or freezing pipes that manifest into all-out nightmares. Weather damage affects structures, windows, roofs, basements, and most importantly, operational function! Nearly half of all restaurant owners have reported that weather damage has shut down their operations enough to lose revenue. If water damage, an unexpected mudslide, or an intense earthquake is in your wake, recovery could be very challenging.

Customer Injury:

In today’s litigious environment, the threat of a lawsuit looms large over every business. Even over the slightest incident, individuals are often quick to take legal action. Even those who frequently visit your establishment—once trusted patrons—might suddenly become untrustworthy, potentially staging accidents to exploit your business. This is where general liability accident insurance becomes indispensable. It serves as your best defense, providing crucial assistance to navigate the complexities of legal claims and ensuring your business is protected from the financial fallout of such unexpected and often frivolous lawsuits.

How The Commercial Insurance Claim Process Works:

If your business is impacted by one of these issues, the business insurance claims process is not too daunting! Start by promptly contacting us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency to inform us of the situation. Provide detailed information about any damage or customer complaints. Some insurers require you to call to report a claim, while others allow online submissions. When you file a liability claim, your insurer will investigate to verify the details.

Your broker will review your insurance policy to determine coverage specifics. Additionally, we might suggest contractors for necessary repairs. Once the investigation is complete and your policy has been reviewed, your claims adjuster will communicate the outcome of your commercial insurance claim.

My Insurance Claim Got Denied: Now What?

Not every commercial insurance claim process is straightforward. Your claim may be denied for various reasons, such as:

  • The insurance company suspects fraud or another form of foul play.
  • The claim is not covered by your policy.
  • The claim was not filed within the required timeframe.

If your claim happens to be denied, you can respond with a letter explaining why you believe the denial was incorrect. It’s very important to keep thorough records of all relevant details before and after the incident. For assistance, consider contacting a state insurance regulator to help you correctly complete the process. Additionally, follow up with your insurance company to inquire about the status of a pending claim or to get a detailed explanation for the denial.

You have the option to take your dispute to small claims court but be aware that hiring a lawyer will be at your own expense, and there is no guarantee of coming out on top. It may be more practical to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, possibly involving a state insurance regulator. For a small business, litigation should typically be a last resort.

Final Takes on This Threatening Variety of Occurrences:

Understanding and effectively managing the four most common commercial insurance claims—burglary, fire, customer injury, and liability—is crucial for safeguarding your business. Everything on this list can seem very daunting, as they are occurrences you hope never take place when your “Open” sign flips on for the day! By promptly contacting your insurance provider, thoroughly documenting incidents, and staying informed about your policy coverage, you can navigate the claims process with confidence.

We know that every second counts for your business. Time spent managing insurance claims is time away from earning revenue and driving growth. That’s why our commercial insurance solutions are designed to provide you with swift, efficient support, allowing you to do what you do best. Let us handle the dealings of your coverage so you can get back to running your business. Interruptions can take longer than an instant, which is a valuable company commodity!