Skip to content

Affected by Severe Weather? Here’s What You Need to Know About Navigating the Claims Process

Affected by Severe Weather? Here’s What You Need to Know About Navigating the Claims Process

April 30, 2024 Last Edit: July 22, 2024

If your small business was impacted by severe weather, consider the following when it comes time to file and resolve your insurance claim.

A deadly storm system moved across Iowa on Friday, spawning at least 12 tornadoes that left homes and businesses damaged.

Governor Reynolds has declared a state of emergency for nine counties, including Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union counties.

Navigating the Insurance Claims process

If your small business was impacted by the storm system, consider the following when it comes time to file and resolve your insurance claim:

After the storm passes, call your insurance company.

At a minimum, you’ll want to ask:

  • What types of damage are covered?
  • How long will it take to process my claim?
  • Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs? 

Make temporary repairs.

While it’s OK to take steps to protect your property from further damage, you should hold off on making extensive permanent repairs until the claims adjuster (a person professionally trained to assess the damage) has visited your business and assessed the damages. Make sure you save receipts for what you spend on repairs.

Prepare for the adjuster’s visits.

The more information you have about your damaged property ––descriptions of as many items as possible, approximate date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair them––the faster your claim can be settled.

  • To substantiate your loss, prepare an inventory of damaged or destroyed items and give a copy to the adjuster, along with copies of any receipts. Don’t throw out damaged items until the adjuster has visited. You should also consider photographing or videotaping the damage. If your property was destroyed, or you no longer have any records, work from memory.
  • Identify structural damage to your business and any supporting structures. Make a list of everything you want to show the adjuster, such as cracks in the walls and missing roof tiles. You should also get the electrical system checked. Most insurance companies pay for these inspections.
  • Get written bids from licensed contractors. The bids should include details of the materials to be used and prices on a line-by-line basis. This makes adjusting the claim faster and simpler.
  • Keep copies of the lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you and record the names and phone numbers of everyone to whom you speak.

After your claim has been settled and the repair work is underway.

Take the time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage. Was your business adequately insured? Did you have replacement cost coverage for all of your assets? Talk to your insurance agent about possible changes.

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

December 5, 2024
Small Businesses Applaud Passage of Legislation to Reduce Burde…
Read More
December 4, 2024
Michigan Small Business Owners Demand Action on Paid Sick Leave…
Read More
December 3, 2024
NFIB NJ on the Hardscape Huddle Podcast
In this insightful episode of the Hardscape Huddle, host Kyle sits down wit…
Read More
December 2, 2024
The 2025 Iowa Legislative Session is Quickly Approaching
As we count down the days until the Iowa Legislature convenes in 2025, here…
Read More

© 2001 - 2024 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility