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Business Interruption Claims Can Prevent the Unexpected

Oct 1, 2017

If you’re traveling somewhere by airplane, perhaps one of the worst things that can happen to you at the airport is missing your scheduled flight. Your two big questions are probably:

  1. When can I get on the next flight and resume my journey? and,
  2. How much money is missing that flight and getting on a new one going to cost me?

Business owners who have had to slow or cease operations due to an unexpected disaster have similar questions:

  • I’ve suffered a serious income interruption because of damage to business premises and equipment due to an unforeseen, unexpected disaster.
  • If I have business interruption insurance as part of my insurance coverage plan, then how do I know if I qualify for that financial relief so I can get my business moving again?
  • Assuming I do most likely qualify for a business interruption claim, then how do I start that filing process?

Check Your Ticket: What Does Your Business Interruption Policy Cover?

To determine whether your insurance policy is your “ticket” to business interruption relief, begin with reviewing your commercial insurance policy; almost all will contain a business interruption clause. Determining the coverage and limitations under these policies is not easy, and assistance from an insurance attorney and CPA may be necessary to understand the coverage, properly estimate the damages, and prepare the claim. Typically, these policies will cover lost revenue and continuing expenses (e.g., rent expenses, employee wages) but not all aspects of damage. They also often require direct physical damage to the premises but may not cover losses due to power outages or floods — unless the policy has a separate flood insurance endorsement.

 

Business interruption insurance generally will compensate for the income lost during the period of physical restoration of the property. If the policy has extended business interruption, then it will further compensate for income lost after the business returns to operations — but prior to it returning to normal levels.

Clear the Security Check-Lines and Find Your New Gate

Below are common steps to help you “pass” the business interruption claim process and be on your way to restoring your business:

  1. Review your policy and immediately talk with your insurance company to understand your type of coverage and responsibilities to them.
  2. Document extensive proof that damage was incurred that caused serious loss of income while you tried to restore operations.
  3. Keep detailed records of current business activity and be able to show the income generated before, during, and after the loss.
  4. Get at least two bids on the cost to repair or replace damaged property.
  5. Accumulate repair estimates, continued expenses while the business was closed, additional expenses required due to the business being closed, and other needed claim-related information.

Let CRI Be Your “Travel Agent” for Business Interruption Claims

The business interruption claims process — especially when it comes hand-in-hand with the pains of a disaster — can be a daunting amount of work, but a successful claim can lead to valuable rewards. CRI is highly experienced in assisting with business interruption claims and would be happy to discuss your situation so we can help your business take flight after a business interruption and reach its goal destination.

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