How do I file a business insurance claim?

When a fire, accident or theft occurs at your business:

• Contact your insurance agent and company right away. Any burglaries or theft should also be reported to the police immediately.
  
• Read your insurance policy so that you know what your responsibilities are to your insurance company after a loss.
  
• After a disaster, take steps to protect your property from further damage by making temporary repairs. If immediate repairs to equipment are necessary, save the damaged parts in case the claims adjuster is interested in examining them.
  
• Get at least two bids on the cost to repair or replace damaged property.

When filing a business interruption claim, be able to show the income the business was generating both before and after the loss. Keep detailed records of business activity and the extra expenses of keeping your business operating in a temporary location during the interruption period. If you are forced to close down, include expenses that continue during the time that the business is closed, such as advertising and the cost of utilities.