How to Handle Insurance When a Disaster Wipes Out Your Business

When Hurricane Wilma destroyed my clothing store I learned things the hard way. I learned I was under insured. May my mistakes not be yours. I hope I can give you steps to handle any disaster that might affect your business.

 

This is what comes next..mold and ruin.

Add up the catagories. Decide what you can salvage, dry clean, paint, or sell yourself. Photo your supplies, cleaning materials, vacuums, light bulbs, anything you had in the store..

 

Water was a foot deep in the back of my store and all the a/c vents fell in.

Separate your categories. Supplies..goods to sell..fixtures..equitment..etc. Take a photo of each garment or item. Find the exact cost of each item. DO NOT GIVE THE INSURANCE PEOPLE ANYTHING UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT EACH CATAGORY IS GOING TO PAY YOU.

 

Photo each catagory separtly and save what you can.

If you are not getting anywhere with the insurance company hire an public adjuster. They will be able to handle the things you do not understand.

 

The ceiling fell along with all the insulattion on everything, not to mention the water.

First DO NOT MOVE ANYTHING find out exactly what your insurance company pays on each part of the coverage that you have. There are several different categories. Have the adjuster to give you the exact amount.

Difficulty: Moderate