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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

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NEW YORK, January 26, 2016 — Business owners who suffered damage due to the blizzard that struck a large portion of the East Coast over the weekend should contact their insurance professional as soon as possible to get the claims process started, according to the (I.I.I.).��

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The I.I.I. recommends that business owners:

1. Fill out claims forms as soon as possible—including a “proof of loss” form, which must be completed within 60 days.
2. Make a list of damaged property; the more detailed the better. Take photos or video to back up the claim.
3. Be prepared to show the adjuster the damaged property as well as financial records or other documents.
4. Get at least two bids for repairs or replacements.
5. Keep copies of all correspondence regarding the claim and note the name, title and phone number of everyone you speak with.��

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For more details, see .

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What Is—and Is Not—Covered

As a business owner, it is also important understand what is and is not covered by insurance, and the various coverage options available to protect businesses.

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Property damage is typically covered under a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or through a Commercial Multi-Peril (CMP) policy. Most commercial property policies provide either:

• Replacement cost coverage – pays to rebuild or repair the property, based on current construction costs.
• Actual cash value coverage – pays to rebuild or replace the property minus depreciation

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Depreciation is a decrease in value due to wear and tear or age so with actual cash value coverage a business that is destroyed may not be in a position to completely rebuild. Business owners can also opt for a combination of both types of coverage.

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insurance (also known as business interruption), is typically included in a BOP or CMP and provides coverage for:

• Revenue lost due to the closure.
• Fixed expenses, such as rent and utility costs.
• Expenses of operating from a temporary location.

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To receive appropriate reimbursement from business interruption coverage, there must be direct physical damage to the property resulting from an insured event. Be aware that there is generally a 24- to 48-hour waiting period before business income coverage kicks in.

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Determining a business interruption loss involves establishing what the business would have earned had the loss not occurred. ̽����ѡ companies take into account past tax returns, profit and loss statements, projected sales and non-continuing expenses.

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If you expanded your basic business interruption insurance and property insurance coverage to include utility interruption, you may be covered if either electrical or water service was discontinued due to the storm.

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Businesses that rent or lease a building can purchase tenant coverage, which insures your on-premises property, including machinery, furniture and merchandise. The building owner’s policy will not cover contents.

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Standard commercial insurance policies exclude flooding from melting snow or tidal surge. Commercial flood coverage is available from the (NFIP) and from a few private insurers. The NFIP provides up to $500,000 in building coverage and $500,000 for contents. Excess flood insurance is also available for businesses.

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Visit the of the I.I.I. website for more information on coverage options and disaster preparedness.

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RELATED LINKS

• Facts and Statistics:
• Articles: ; ; ;

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SOURCES:

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The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its . Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found .

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THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

̽����ѡ Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500;