Continuity is critical in business, and there are few things more important than continuous revenue and cash flow, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations. In fact, just one brief business interruption due to a catastrophic loss can be incredibly costly for an organization, often leading to serious reputational damages or long-term closures.
If you think about it, there are several local examples of businesses that faced unfortunate circumstances. Nearly two years ago, Colonial Cleaners faced a structural fire that affected many of the businesses in the Thornapple Plaza on US 30 in Valparaiso. More recently, the Allure on the Lake in Chesterton faced a devastating fire that left many couples without a wedding venue.
It’s easy to talk about insurance in the abstract thinking “that won’t happen to me.” However, incidents like these, ones that happen close to home, are a reminder that anything can happen unexpectedly.
That’s where business interruption insurance can help. This form of coverage provides protection against a variety of common interruptions, including natural disasters, equipment damage and vandalism.
The company: A small, family-owned bagel shop.
The challenge: Following a recent fire, a bagel shop experienced major property damage. Not only were substantial repairs needed, the company lost crucial baking equipment.
Repairs for the damaged property and equipment were expected to take three months—a significant amount of lost time and revenue.
Business interruption insurance in action: Following a covered disruption, business interruption insurance can help businesses of all sizes stay afloat and recover quickly. This is because business interruption insurance can reimburse income organizations would have received had they been able to operate.
This was particularly important for the bagel shop, as paying for costly repairs and not having a steady flow of income could have bankrupted the business. With the right policy, organizations can take the necessary steps to get back up and running, all without sacrificing day-to-day income.
The company: A mid-sized auto dealership.
The challenge: After a night of severe flooding, a number of area businesses experienced substantial water damage. Of these businesses, an auto dealership was hit the hardest, losing the majority of its inventory.
In addition, because the lot was flooded, the dealership had to move its operations to a new location. This, in turn, meant the dealership had to sign a new lease and cover steep moving expenses.
Business interruption insurance in action: In the face of a disaster or other disruptions, organizations may be forced to move locations in order to remain open. Without the proper policy, organizations would have to pay for these costs out of pocket.
Thankfully, business interruption insurance can reimburse organizations for all of the costs associated with a move.
Business interruption insurance is designed to give businesses access to the assets they need when they need them most. However, these policies can be complex, and it’s important to work with your insurance broker closely when seeking coverage.
This article was published in the Fall 2019 issue of the General Insurance Services Risk & Business Magazine. Access the full publication here
Alison was born and raised in Chesterton. She attended Indiana University earning her Bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining GIS in 2016 Alison spent nearly 10 years in banking helping clients with banking, investments, business and loans. She has been a member of the Chesterton-Porter Rotary club and a Duneland Chamber Ambassador since 2016 and a volunteer with Porter County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) since 2015. In Alison’s spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, beach days and musical performances.
4/02/2020