How Business Owners can Prepare for an Insurance Adjuster’s Visit.

After reporting a loss, your insurance company will either send a proof of loss form for you to fill out, or schedule an appointment for an insurance adjuster to inspect the site and guide you through the claims process.

As part of this process, the adjuster will review all information and your policy to determine coverage, and request that you obtain repair estimates. The more detail you can furnish to the adjuster, the faster your claim can be settled.

Following are seven steps which are essential to the claims process:

1. Contact your insurer as soon as possible—by phone, email, or mobile app. Make sure your insurance company knows how to reach you if you have evacuated or are unable to work at your place of business. have the following information handy: your policy number, loss location, cell phone number and back-up contact information, if available. If possible, you should try to meet the claims adjuster at your property, provided it is safe to do so.

2. Make temporary repairs and secure your property. Even before the adjuster arrives, if you can do so safely, take steps to protect your property to prevent further damage and reduce the time it may take to restore it,

3. Review Your Policy Carefully.  Look closely at your “declarations” page. That is the page that states your name, address, policy number, categories of coverage, dollar limits, and policy endorsements. Make sure you have the current copy of your policy. Also listed are “Endorsements” (extras); be sure to read the ones that apply to your policy.  Note: Most standard business policies do not include earthquake insurance. Earthquake insurance is available from private insurers as an endorsement.  However there may be coverage for commercial vehicles, provided you have the optional comprehensive coverage.

For more coverage on this and other insurance topics, visit III.org.