A hail storm can interrupt your business in many different ways, and a robust commercial insurance policy can protect you against major losses during repair. Popular insurance provider Allstate covers roof damage by hail stones, but may also reimburse policyholders for other losses caused by storms. Attorney Bill Voss examines the finer details of filing business claims with Allstate after a hail storm, as well as how to understand what types of coverage apply to your claim.
Not All Types of Insurance Are Standard on Allstate’s Business Owners Policy
Allstate offers a variety of Business Owners Policies (BOP) for a wide range of businesses and types of loss. One of the most common packages is Building and Personal Property coverage, which pays for damage to the building, roof, structure, and personal property insured in the policy. The company allows that coverage is available on a replacement cost basis, but that the replacement cost is set by the policy limits.
Allstate also offers the following coverage for business losses due to hail storm damage:
- Accounts Receivable Protection. If the storm has resulted in the loss of your billing records, Allstate includes coverage for any cost increases due to collecting payments and recreating financial records in all of their business insurance policies.
- Business Income and Extra Expense. If the hail damage to your roof requires that your business be shut down until repairs are made, this coverage provides up to 12 months of lost of income and some expenses while your business is closed.
- Spoilage Coverage. If the storm has caused your business to lose power, you may be able to recover the loss of perishable goods with spoilage coverage.
- Vehicle Damage. Allstate provides both personal and business auto insurance for hail damage to vehicles. However, hail damage is usually only compensable under comprehensive coverage policies. Comprehensive coverage reimburses policyholders for damages that are not related to a collision (such as weather or vandalism). The policy you should use to claim the vehicle will depend on the type and limits of your policies.
- Catastrophe Relief. Allstate does offer disaster relief after adverse weather events through its National Catastrophe Team (NCT). The NCT offers mobile claims centers that travel to affected areas for faster claim reporting and to answer questions about your claim and which losses may be covered.
Despite the wide range of policies offered for sale, it is often difficult to get fair payment from an insurer after a storm. Even when an insurance provider seems friendly and helpful, the company still has a vested interest in denying or underpaying your claim. If you are having trouble collecting full and fair payment from an insurer, fill out the form on this page today to contact the Voss Law Firm or order a free copy of our book, Commercial Property Owners Must Read This BEFORE Filing an Insurance Claim.
