Filing a commercial insurance claim is usually the last thing a business owner wants to be doing. Something has gone wrong—a fire, a theft, an accident, or another disruption—and you’re juggling the immediate fallout while trying to keep operations moving.
Once the claim is submitted, the following steps you take can significantly impact how smoothly (or painfully) the process unfolds. In this blog, we’ll explore what you should know about navigating those first critical days.
1. Document Everything in Real Time
Don’t wait until later to gather evidence. Photos, videos, invoices, receipts, repair estimates, and even notes from employees who witnessed the incident. The fresher the documentation, the harder it is for details to be questioned down the line.
Pro tip: keep a digital folder labeled with the date and claim number so nothing gets lost in email chains or text threads.
2. Communicate Promptly & Thoughtfully
Your business insurance coverage carrier will assign an adjuster, and they’ll need information quickly. Answer calls and emails promptly, but resist the urge to speculate. Stick to the facts, including what happened, what you’ve observed, and what you can document.
If you’re not sure about something, it’s okay to revisit the matter. That’s better than guessing and creating confusion later.
3. Take Reasonable Steps to Prevent More Damage
Most policies require you to mitigate further loss. That doesn’t mean you have to rebuild your roof yourself after a storm, but it does mean boarding up broken windows, covering leaks, or calling in a contractor to stop things from getting worse.
Failing to do this can complicate your claim—and in some cases, reduce what’s paid out.
4. Keep Operations Going Where You Can
Business interruption is stressful, and customers often struggle to understand delays. If you can keep parts of your business open or temporarily shift to another location, make that effort. Not only does it help your revenue stream, but it also demonstrates to your insurer that you’re doing your part to minimize the impact.
5. Track Every Expense Related to the Loss
Extra security, temporary rentals, overtime labor, and cleanup crews—these costs may be covered under your business insurance policy. Keep receipts and note the expense to which each one relates. It’s easy to underestimate these add-on costs, and many businesses leave money on the table because they haven’t closely tracked them.
6. Stay in Touch With Your Broker or Agent
Your insurance provider isn’t the only resource. Your broker or agent can help you interpret policy language, communicate effectively with adjusters, and keep the process moving smoothly. They’ve seen hundreds of claims and know what tends to cause snags.
At BME Commercial Insurance, we help clients ensure deadlines are met and the proper paperwork reaches the intended recipient.
Secure Your Business with BME Commercial Insurance
The days after filing a commercial insurance claim can feel chaotic, but they don’t have to derail your business. By thoroughly documenting, clearly communicating, protecting against further damage, and keeping expenses organized, you’ll put yourself in the best position for a fair and efficient settlement.
If you’re dealing with a claim, whether it’s property damage, bodily injury, or a commercial auto accident, our commercial business insurance team is here to walk you through the process and advocate on your behalf. Reach out to learn more.
