Unfortunately, natural disasters and other catastrophes do, indeed, strike every business without discrimination. You have evaluated and identified your risk. You have put operational processes in place. You have done your risk management by the book. So, how come your insurance company suddenly seems uncooperative?

Understanding how the process works so that things flow smoothly between you and your insurer is vital to you and your business getting back on its feet as soon as it possibly can.

• Your risk management strategy must include proper procedures for communicating with your insurer. Meet with them, understand their policies and procedures. Ask what you need to do so that everyone is on the same page. Too many business owners think that their HR department can just fill out a few forms and send them off.
• Proof is everything and documentation is king. Know what your insurer will demand as proof and documentation. Don’t guess. Keep track of every single penny that has gone out the door due to the catastrophe. Leave a paper trail that no one could possibly miss. A solid proof-of-payment paper trail and documentation is, perhaps, the most vital of all to your insurance company.
• Credibility gets faster payment. Far too many businesses simply guess at what costs may be covered so things, quite naturally, get challenged from your insurance company’s end. In addition, be prepared for, and totally expect, an claim you submit to be challenged.
• Communication is vital. Your insurer is there to help you. They are really an integral part of your risk management team. If everyone is on the same page, everyone tends to win. Meet or speak with your insurance advisor regularly so that a true and working rapport can be established. It will become crucial to your future survival should that catastrophe come.
• Expecting reciprocal action on the part of your insurance company should be expected and even demanded. Keep communications open and make certain your insurer is sending in their own investigators to witness and to evaluate. They have a certain responsibility to you, also.
• Keeping communication pipelines open in your own company is vital. As the business owner it is your responsibility to manage those involved in the disaster and the recovery. Being proactive everywhere is the most efficient remedy.