What if My Business Property Insurance Settlement Isn’t Enough?

When you file a business property insurance claim, you expect your policy to cover the losses that affect your operations. Unfortunately, many business owners find that the settlement they receive does not come close to the actual costs of repairs, replacements, or business interruption. When that happens, you may wonder what options you have to protect your business and move forward.

Our Corpus Christi property insurance claims lawyers have worked with business owners for decades who face this exact problem. Insurance companies often minimize the impact of losses, leaving many business owners to cover the expenses that should have been included in their settlement. In this guide, we explain why settlements fall short, what steps you can take, and how we help business owners recover the compensation they deserve.

Why Business Insurance Settlements Fall Short

Your business property insurance is there to cover your losses following an accident or incident, but insurance companies exist to make money, and part of their strategy involves limiting the amount they pay on claims. Even when a business owner has done everything right, paying premiums on time, documenting damages, and following policy procedures, the final settlement can still be far less than expected. 

Common reasons include:

• Undervaluing property damage: Insurers may base repair or replacement estimates on outdated costs or rely on adjusters who downplay the extent of the damage.
• Disputing business interruption claims: They may argue that lost income is less significant than claimed or that certain operational expenses are not covered.
• Applying exclusions and coverage limits: Policies often contain fine print that insurers use to justify paying less.
• Delays and denials: Some insurers delay payments or deny portions of a claim in hopes the business owner will accept a reduced settlement out of urgency.

After more than 40 years of handling property insurance claims and disputes, we know how common these tactics are and how damaging they can be for businesses trying to recover.

The Impact of an Inadequate Settlement

When an insurance settlement falls short, the effects ripple through every part of a business. Owners may be forced to:

• Pay out-of-pocket for repairs or replacements.
• Cover payroll and operational costs without full income replacement.
• Take on debt to continue operations.
• Delay reopening or expansion plans.

The financial strain is often paired with stress and uncertainty. Many business owners tell us that the lack of adequate insurance funds puts their entire livelihood at risk. You should never accept a low settlement without exploring your options.

What You Can Do If the Property Insurance Settlement Isn’t Enough

If your business property insurance settlement is too low, you are not out of options. Steps you can take include:

• Review the settlement offer: Compare it carefully against your policy terms and the actual costs of repairs and business interruption.
• Document all damages: Take photos, save receipts, and keep financial records showing the impact on your business.
• Get an independent evaluation: Contractors, public adjusters, or financial professionals can provide a more accurate estimate of your losses.
• Challenge the insurer: You can negotiate with the insurance company or take legal action if they continue to undervalue your claim.

When we work with business owners, we gather all the necessary evidence to build a strong case. Our focus is on presenting clear proof of damages and holding insurers accountable to pay the maximum compensation available under the insurance policy.

How We Help Business Owners in Insurance Disputes

Insurance disputes require persistence and preparation. Our approach includes:

• Reviewing policy language to identify coverage that applies.
• Examining the settlement offer to uncover undervalued losses.
• Collecting evidence of all property damage, lost income, and expenses.
• Negotiating directly with the insurance company.
• Filing lawsuits when insurers refuse to pay what they owe.

We have taken on some of the largest insurance companies in the country, including Allstate and State Farm. Our past results include multimillion-dollar recoveries for property damage claims, such as a $2 million settlement for hail damage. 

When business owners come to us after receiving a low offer, we know how to push back and demand the compensation needed to keep their operations running.

Direct Access to Attorneys Makes a Difference

One of the challenges business owners face is getting answers when time is critical. Insurance disputes can stall business operations, and owners cannot afford to wait weeks for updates. That is why we make ourselves directly available:

• You can text or call us seven days a week.
• Attorney Stephen Carrigan and Attorney David Anderson personally respond, not staff.
• Many of our clients mention in reviews that they value the quick replies they receive.
• When you reach out, your first point of contact is always with a lawyer, not a secretary.

This direct connection means your concerns are addressed promptly, and your case keeps moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Experience That Benefits Business Owners

Experience matters when challenging insurance companies. We have seen how insurers operate and how to respond effectively. Attorney Stephen Carrigan has more than 37 years of direct experience in this area, and together we have recovered millions for clients. Client reviews, averaging 4.8 stars across more than 70 Google Reviews, confirm that our clients value the work we put into getting results.

Personalized Attention Matters to Your Business

Many business owners choose us because we are a smaller firm that can dedicate the necessary time to each case. That means:

• We can tailor strategies for your specific business losses.
• We can spend as much time as needed on your case.
• You receive personalized attention rather than being passed from person to person.

When we commit to a case, our focus is on building the strongest possible claim to secure the maximum compensation available. 

Next Steps if You’re Unsatisfied With Your Settlement

If your settlement does not reflect the true cost of your losses, you do not have to accept it as final. Instead, consider:

• Reviewing your policy with a professional.
• Gathering additional documentation to support your claim.
• Contacting a law firm with decades of experience and proven results in insurance disputes.

With proper guidance, many business owners secure higher settlements that allow them to repair their property, cover operational expenses, and continue running their business.

Fight for the Insurance Settlement Your Business Deserves

If your business property insurance settlement isn’t enough, contact Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC today. Call or text us any day of the week to connect directly with an attorney who will review your claim, explain your options, and fight for the compensation your business needs to recover and move forward.