In 2002, fire departments across the United States responded to a fire every 21 seconds, resulting in $18 billion in property damages.
Is your business prepared for the unexpected? You need to protect your investment, from your property to your equipment and inventory. A fire could cause immense damage, and the resulting downtime could decimate your finances.
Commercial fire insurance can help your business recover quickly after a fire, covering the cost of building repairs, replacing damaged equipment, and even compensating you for lost income.
If you are a business owner, keep reading to explore the different aspects of fire insurance and determine if you have the right level of protection for your business.
Types of Commercial Fire Insurance
Commercial fire insurance isn’t typically a single policy. Instead, comprehensive fire protection comes from a combination of different policies that work together. Some of those policies might include:
Commercial Property Insurance
Commerical property insurance is the foundation of your fire protection and will cover the physical structure of your business. In the event of a fire, this policy should help pay for repairs or rebuilding your damaged building.
General Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers the property damage and potential injuries caused by the fire to other people. It also protects your business from lawsuits resulting from a fire.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A BOP is a bundled policy that may include property and general liability insurance. Fire damage may be a covered peril in your policy, meaning it’s specifically listed as something your insurance company will cover.
Business Interruption Insurance
A fire could disrupt your business for weeks or longer. Business interruption insurance compensates you for lost income during this downtime and can even cover expenses like payroll, rent, and lost profits.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Your Commercial Fire Insurance
Fires can cause thousands of dollars in damage in seconds. Your insurance premiums will be far more cost-effective than paying for repairs out-of-pocket, but we understand that business owners need to keep operational expenses low.
There are a few factors that will influence the cost of your commercial fire insurance, and you could end up paying more for your fire coverage if your business:
- Was built from materials that aren’t fire resistant
- Is housed in an older or poorly maintained building
- Is in an area that’s at a high risk for fire
- Uses a lot of flammable materials
- Has high electrical usage
- Has a history of fire-related claims
Your business can save on commercial fire coverage by taking proactive steps to prevent a fire. That might include having an up-to-date fire alarm system and sprinklers and fire extinguishers readily available. Your insurance agent can help you develop a good risk management plan, which could help lower your monthly premiums.
Eber & Associates Offers Plans to Protect Your Business
Fires can be devastating to a business. They can cause significant property damage, months of disruptions, and incredible financial loss. It’s no wonder some businesses never recover. But having the right commercial fire insurance coverage can provide much-needed protection that helps your business rebound swiftly.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for commercial fire insurance. You need coverage that meets your unique needs and specific risk factors. Eber & Associates can help you navigate the complexities of commercial fire insurance and set you up with comprehensive coverage for your business. Never wait for a fire to happen. Contact Eber & Associates today for a free quote on all your business insurance needs.
