Damage guide
Commercial property damage
Commercial losses can affect operations, tenants and employees. Business continuity plans and lease obligations may shape next steps.
Immediate safety considerations
- • Follow your emergency action plan and account for occupants.
- • Restrict access to damaged areas.
If anyone is in danger, call 911.
How to document the damage
- Only document damage once it is safe to be in the area.
- Take wide photos of each room, then close-ups of specific damage.
- Record a short video walkthrough narrating what you see.
- Write down the date and time you discovered the damage.
- Keep damaged items until your insurer says you can discard them, when it is safe and sanitary to do so.
- Save receipts for emergency supplies, temporary repairs and lodging.
- Record any interruption to business operations and related expenses.
When to contact your insurer
Notify your commercial insurer or broker. Ask about business interruption and extra expense coverage if you hold it.
We can't tell you whether a loss is covered — only your policy and insurer can.
Professionals who may help
Common terms
- Business interruption
- Coverage some commercial policies provide for lost income after a covered loss.
Questions to ask potential contractors
- • Are you licensed for this work in my state or city? Can I see the license number?
- • Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance? Can you provide certificates?
- • Will you provide a written, itemized estimate before starting?
- • Who will be doing the work — your employees or subcontractors?
- • What are your payment terms? (Be cautious of large upfront payments.)
- • Will you obtain any required permits?
- • Can you provide references from recent, similar jobs?
- • What will you need from me to support documentation for my insurer?