Business owners have a lot on their plate just managing a business from one day to the next. When something goes wrong, it can be difficult to keep going, and that’s especially true in the case of a commercial insurance claim.

If you’re looking at filing a claim, you need to know what your policy covers, how the process works, and what steps to take to get the maximum compensation for the damages to your business. 

Understand Your Policy 

The first thing that you need to do is get to know your commercial insurance policy. The best business owners are already familiar with their policy details and aware of what might not be covered. If you haven’t taken the time to explore your commercial coverage yet, now is that time. 

Find out what your policy covers, as well as what it excludes. For example, while most storm damage will be covered, you typically need separate coverage for floods, hurricanes, and named tropical storms. You should also check to see what buildings, structures, and equipment are covered. This could include:

• The physical business location and buildings 
• Vehicles, such as company cars or delivery vehicles 
• Equipment, like supplies, materials, and other equipment that you use in the business
• Fixtures, such as lighting, displays, signage, etc. 

When you are looking for anything excluded from your policy, look for terms like:

• Exclusions 
• Limitations of coverage
• Excluded items 
• Non-covered events 
• Riders (which you can add to cover otherwise uncovered items)

Once you have a good understanding of your commercial insurance policy, you’ll be better prepared to file the claim and get the outcome (and compensation) that you deserve. 

If you’re struggling to sort out the details or you just want to leave it to the professionals, reach out to On Target Claims. We’ve got years of experience in public insurance adjusting and can help you maximize your commercial insurance claim. 

Tips and Best Practices for Claim Filing in Florida

One of the best ways to make the claims process go smoothly is to know what to expect and be prepared for each step along the way. Organizations can do wonders to get things moving along. Know your insurance company, your agent if you have one, and where your policy documents are located. 

If your provider uses an online claims filing tool or mobile app, make sure you know about it and how to use it to file your claim. This can help expedite the process. Speed is essential to any insurance claim. Not only will this prevent further damage, but it will ensure that you keep the insurance company moving and get your claim settled fairly and promptly. 

Move Quickly 

As mentioned, speed is everything. The sooner you get your claim settled, the sooner you can get back to business as usual. File a claim as soon as you notice any damage and make sure that you are ready when the insurance adjuster arrives so that you can get through that step easily, as well. 

If you want representation on your side, a public insurance adjuster can work with the insurance company on your behalf to take care of the claim. That way, you get the best outcome and can focus on what matters: getting back to business. 

Document Everything 

In today’s digital age, it can be easy to forget something as simple as documentation. You need to take pictures of all of the damage. Record videos if necessary or if you think they will be helpful. Make sure you note where the damage happened, what resulted, and what things look like both before and after the cleanup process. That way, if there’s any discrepancy about the claim, you have your proof. 

Don’t Throw Anything Out

Speaking of proof, you must resist the urge to throw things away. Although the local health department might require certain businesses to get rid of damaged materials after a certain period of time, you need to hang onto damaged items as long as possible. That way, the insurance company can verify the damage. 

If you toss out damaged materials or items before the adjuster arrives, the insurance company might try to argue paying the claim (or paying what you deserve) because there is no proof of the damage. If you must remove materials that are dangerous, put them somewhere safe and out of the way until you have the all-clear to throw them out.  

Take Notes 

Along with the photos and videos you take, keep extensive notes. This isn’t just for the damage, but for the entire claims process. Note when you called the insurance company when you follow up with them, the adjuster’s arrival (and name), a list of what was damaged or needs attention, and so forth. You should also document every interaction with the insurance company and record names, titles, dates, and other details. 

How Public Adjusters Can Help Maximize Your Claim in Florida

Of course, one of the best ways to get the most from your commercial insurance claim is to work with certified public insurance adjusters. These experts know the commercial insurance laws in Florida and they understand how the claims process works. They’re also experts in dealing with stubborn insurance companies that try to delay claims or lowball settlement offers with commercial clients. 

A public insurance adjuster isn’t be intimidated by an insurance company. They have in-depth experience with claims and they know how to fight for what you deserve. If you choose to work with a public insurance adjuster for your commercial insurance claim, you will enjoy benefits like those listed below. 

Control of the Claims Process

A public insurance adjuster will immediately take control of the insurance claims process on your behalf. They will get the facts by asking as many questions as necessary, and then use that information to work with your insurance provider and fight to get the compensation that you deserve. Their expertise allows them to conduct a separate investigation, prepare for potential hurdles ahead of time, and make the entire process much less stressful for you and your employees. 

Coverage Issues or Lapses 

If you aren’t well-versed in your insurance policy, you might not realize that you have gaps or lapses in your coverage until you are told as much by your insurance company. At that point, it’s too late to do anything. When you work with a public insurance adjuster, you will be able to mitigate these issues and make sure that you have the right coverage in place for your claim. If the insurance company still wants to fight, the adjusters can fight back on your behalf. 

Disputes of Actual Cash Value 

Insurance companies are always looking out for themselves first. Therefore, they may try to reduce the actual cash value of items in your claim to avoid paying more than they want. With a public adjuster on your side, you can ensure that you get paid exactly what you are owed for whatever damages occurred. Maximizing claims is the specialty of public insurance adjusters and negotiations are our expertise. 

Business Interruption Claims 

Business interruption insurance is designed to pay income, expenses, and other costs related to a loss of business. If you have experienced an insurance claim that causes you to be unable to conduct business, you should be entitled to this coverage as well as the rest of the claim. Some insurance companies won’t tell you this, or they’ll drag their feet on the filing and settlement process. 

A public adjuster can help you file a prompt, complete claim for business interruption coverage so that you get the money you need to keep things afloat in the meantime. 

Settlement Negotiation 

Insurance companies always offer the lowest possible settlement first, assuming that most people won’t argue because they either:

• Don’t know that they can 

Or

• Just want to settle the claim and be done 

In either of these cases, though, you shouldn’t just cave to the insurance company. A public insurance adjuster can negotiate on your behalf to get a maximum settlement, no matter how big (or small) your commercial insurance claim might be. 

Wrap-Up: Quick Tips for Success 

Remember, when filing a commercial insurance claim:

• Be prompt and quick to ensure minimal continued damage and maximum claim payment. 
• Document everything with pictures, videos, and notes. 
• Understand your policy and any exclusions that it may include. 
• Keep everything until your insurance company says it’s okay to throw stuff out. 
• Don’t let your insurance company drag its feet or give you the runaround.
• Document all conversations, including names, dates, titles, etc. 
• Contact a public insurance adjuster for help maximizing your claim. 

Contact On Target Claims for Commercial Insurance Claims and More 

If you’re facing a commercial insurance claim and you don’t know what to do, reach out to On Target Claims. Even if you thought you could handle the process but your insurance company is making it difficult, our team of experts is ready to help. We understand Florida commercial insurance laws and the claims process, and we know how to get you the maximum settlement that you deserve. 

That way, you can focus on getting back to business and taking care of your people while we ensure your claim is handled. Plus, we can advise you of best practices and tips for the future to help prevent issues moving forward. Reach out to On Target Claims to discuss your commercial insurance claim now. 

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