Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim After a Business Fire

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

This factory suffered from smoke and soot stains after it experienced a large fire.

How To File An Insurance Claim

A commercial fire in Deer Park, OH, can put a dent in your company's bottom line. That is why you likely have insurance to cover any fire damage. You should file a fire claim as soon as possible so you can quickly get your business back up and running. Whether you call the insurer or fill out an online form, make sure you provide the location of the fire, your claim number, and both primary and secondary contact information.

Preparing for the Adjuster

Once you file the claim, an insurance adjuster will come to the property to check out the damage. Here are some ways you can get ready for the visit.

Keep Track of Any Necessary Records

You will need to show the adjuster how much you spent on each of the various destroyed items. You should thus keep the relevant receipts handy.

Take Plenty of Photos

When making a fire claim, you generally want to keep all damaged items on the property until the adjuster arrives to inspect them. If you have to discard debris ahead of time, take pictures to show the adjuster.

Make Temporary Repairs

Feel free to make temporary repairs to minimize any further damage to your property. This includes securing doors or windows.

Next Steps

Once the adjuster has assessed the value of the damage, you should call your insurance provider or go online to check on the status of your claim. You may even want to set up an online account to make the process go more smoothly.
In addition, make sure to record how much money you spend to repair or preserve your company after the adjuster leaves. This may include the cost of hiring a professional restoration company. If you are forced to temporarily relocate your business during the fire restoration process, you should write down the operating costs associated with this new location.
A fire does not have to destroy your company. By filing a fire claim, following the above steps and using commercial building restoration services, your office space should return to normal in no time.