A commercial property insurance policy can provide your business with the protection it needs when severe weather strikes. A hurricane, or other natural disaster, can disrupt operations or destroy the structure where your business is housed. The right coverage for hurricane damage could ensure those losses are paid for.
There are complications that can arise after such a catastrophic event. These policies are complex, and the insurance company will not always act with your best interests in mind. Our guide to commercial hurricane damage claims lawyer in Corpus Christi could help you maximize your recovery.
What Losses Will Commercial Property Insurance Cover After a Hurricane?
A catastrophic event impacts a business differently than a residential home. In addition to the physical damage that property owners need to repair, there are other factors to consider related to getting your business back up and running again. A Texas commercial insurance claims lawyer could help you navigate these complex claims.
Your Policy Should Cover Property Damage to Your Business
The top priority for business owners is securing the necessary repairs to reopen. This can include countless parts of the structure, from the roof to the floor. It is not enough to ensure the building is structurally sound, however. Many cities and towns have special building codes for businesses that are open to the public. The repairs must result in work that satisfies these requirements.
Some parts of the property might not be repairable. This includes machinery, power doors, or aspects of the premises that are key to operating the business. When repairs are impossible, these losses should be replaced by the policy.
Your Policy Could Replace Your Lost Business Income
One of the ways that commercial coverage differs from a standard homeowners insurance policy is that it could provide for your financial losses caused by the hurricane. It is important to note that not every policy is the same, and some options might not include this coverage without a rider.
Your Insurance Coverage Could Protect You from Injury Claims
The aftermath of a hurricane can be chaotic. Unfortunately, injuries are common even when the tropical storm is over due to the countless hazards found in the rubble and debris. If someone is injured on your property, they could pursue a negligence claim by arguing that you failed to take reasonable steps to protect them from harm. Your insurance policy could provide you with a defense against these claims.
We have offices in Houston, Corpus Christi, and Victoria; and will travel to any corner of Texas if we are capable of preventing an injustice.
What to Do After a Hurricane Damages Your Business
Although there are many important steps to take following a hurricane, taking care to file your hurricane insurance claim as soon as possible is vital. The sooner this process begins, the faster your carrier can address your losses. Of course, the steps you take can have positive and negative consequences for your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately
Nothing good comes with waiting to notify your insurer of the damage to your business. Early communication gives you the best chance of getting quick access to the benefits you need. There are likely thousands of other businesses and homeowners intending to file a claim, so there is no time to wait.
Make Temporary Repairs to Your Business as Needed
There are certain hazards that must be addressed right away following a hurricane. This might include turning off the gas, boarding up windows, or otherwise securing the property against the elements. Beyond this, it is important to leave the property as-is, to allow for insurance adjusters to investigate the physical damage the storm caused.
Document the Extent of Your Hurricane Damage
Before you make any repairs, it is a good idea to document as much about your loss as possible. This includes taking photos of the storm damage not only to the building but also the surrounding grounds. Make spreadsheets of destroyed stock or inventory and consider recording a walkthrough of the interior of the premises to document the extensive damage your business suffered.
File Your Claim with the Insurance Company
The sooner you file your hurricane damage claim, the better. You will have an opportunity to provide evidence of additional damage, so there is no reason to delay the claims process. Once you complete this step, it is helpful to keep track of the claim and policy number for the duration of the process.
Talk to a Commercial Insurance Claims Lawyer
Hopefully, your commercial claim goes off without a hitch. Unfortunately, insurance carriers are known for finding excuses to deny a claim or offer an unreasonably low payout. When this happens, an attorney could help you get the outcome you deserve.
Insurance Companies Can Act in Bad Faith Following a Catastrophic Event
Running a business is often about mitigating risk. You pay your insurance premiums each month to ensure your commercial insurance covers a natural disaster, like a hurricane, so your business will be protected. Unfortunately, coverage providers do not always keep their end of the bargain. Their insurance adjusters are known for finding any excuse to deny a claim or offer a low insurance payout.
These companies have a duty to respond to your property damage claim in good faith. If they fail to do that, an attorney could hold them accountable. A successful bad faith insurance claim could result in damages that are triple your actual losses, in addition to your attorney fees and other costs, per Texas Insurance Code § 541.152.
An insurance company can handle your claim in bad faith in a number of ways. This might involve refusing to acknowledge your claim or respond to your calls. They could fail to investigate your losses or deny your claim without giving a reason at all. An attorney could help you navigate the process of holding insurers accountable for their bad faith acts.
Representing the injured in all areas of Texas that extends back over 40 years
Speak to Our Firm About Your Business Property’s Hurricane Insurance Claim
If you have commercial insurance, your policy is designed to protect you after a hurricane damages your property. If your insurance company refuses to treat you fairly, then our firm is here to help.
Let the attorneys of Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC answer your questions about the claims process. Our attorneys have extensive experience taking on the insurance company and winning. Contact us to learn more during a free consultation.
At Carrigan & Anderson, PLLC we can talk to you about your options and rights.
