Commercial Property Damage
Damage to offices, retail, warehouses, and other commercial property
Commercial losses can affect a building, tenant improvements, equipment, stock, or several interests at once. Start by identifying the insured property and who is responsible for each affected area. Policies and leases may allocate responsibilities differently. Keep site records and inspection findings organized by location and category of damage.
Hurricane, wind, water, fire, and roof losses
A commercial claim should explain how the reported event damaged the premises and what work is needed to address it. Roof openings, interior water, fire effects, and damaged equipment may require different specialists. Retain their findings and separate emergency work from permanent repairs. Multiple damage types do not necessarily share identical coverage terms.
Building and business-property claims
Building coverage and business personal property coverage may have different limits, valuation provisions, and documentation requirements. Prepare separate inventories and estimates for the structure, equipment, furnishings, and stock as appropriate. Records of ownership, installation, and prior condition can help explain what was damaged and how the amount claimed was calculated.
Business interruption / lost income
Business income coverage is governed by its own terms and may require covered physical damage and a qualifying interruption. Keep accounting records, closure dates, continuing expenses, and evidence of efforts to resume operations. Lost revenue alone does not establish the covered amount. Waiting periods, restoration periods, and other provisions need review.
Repair-cost and valuation disputes
Disputes may involve repair methods, depreciation, quantities, material pricing, or how insured values apply to the property. Compare estimates item by item and preserve the records supporting claimed costs. An explanation of the business’s specific premises and equipment is more useful than a generic replacement figure.
Delayed, denied, or underpaid commercial claims
Commercial claims can involve several decision-makers, inspections, and document requests. Maintain a central record of submissions, insurer responses, and unresolved items. Hatfield can review the claim file and policy to clarify disputed coverage or valuation issues. Bring the policy, estimates, correspondence, and relevant business records to the consultation.