Commercial property insurance claims can be very expensive. When it comes to filing a claim against your business insurance, don't avoid doing so if necessary. But you also want to be sure you take every step possible to reduce the risks of filing such a claim. What are the most common claims filed against commercial property insurance policies?
Burglary and Theft
In a survey conducted by the Hartford, about 20 percent of small business owners filed a claim for burglary and theft in the previous five years. While it is one of the most common types of claims filed against business insurance, it is also one of the lowest in terms of cost. On average, the survey found that these claims amounted to an average of $8,000.
Water and Freezing Damage
Water and freezing damage is also a frequent claim. About 15 percent of small business owners filed a claim against their policy for this type of damage. The average claim was $17,000.
Wind and Hail Damage
You may have filed a claim for wind and hail damage if you work in an area near a storm's path. Most commonly, these types of claims are higher in years where storms are more frequent, and can range significantly in price. In the previous five years, about 15 percent of small business owners filed a claim for this type of loss. The average cost was $26,000.
Fire
Fire is a large risk to any structure. It is also a claim about 10 percent of small business owners have filed in the previous five years. Fire losses can range widely in terms of value. However, on average, the survey found that these claims cost $35,000.
Customer Slips and Falls
Hard to prevent and very hard to fight, customer slip and fall accidents occurred in about 10 percent of small businesses in the five-year period of the study. These claims, though you may think are low in value, actually have a hefty price. On average, they led to claims of about $20,000.
When you take a look at your business insurance policy, you may be second guessing how much coverage you have. Be sure your commercial property insurance value is high enough to reduce these types of risks.
We’ve got you covered. Call JSW Insurance at (925) 737-1560 for more information on the Bay Area commercial property insurance.