Business Interruption Insurance is also known as Business Income Insurance. As the name implies it protects the loss of net income to your business caused by a covered property claim such as wind, theft or fire damage. It covers the time when the business is closed until the property is repaired or replaced. If you are forced to shut down while your building or critical equipment is being repaired or replaced from a covered loss, you would most likely lose an essential revenue stream depending on the nature of your business. Though the revenue may have stopped or slowed, many financial obligations do not, making it very difficult to pay any outstanding loans, taxes, payroll, benefits, insurance and many of the other expenses that continue regardless of whether you are operational.
Because business interruption insurance covers the income that your business would have earned if the covered loss had not occurred, the claim will be estimated based on your company's financial records. It is critical that you maintain accurate and updated financials, and preferably backed-up off premises.
It is essential to have an adequate limit as a business that has to close down while property is being repaired may lose out to competitors. A quick resumption of business after a disaster is essential; however keep in mind there is typically a 48 hours waiting period on most business interruption coverage.
Speak with your local NH insurance agent about the details of your business and how much coverage your business may need to get through a major loss. Consider any peak seasons and worst-case scenarios keeping in mind that the longer your business is shut down, the greater advantage for your competition. Here are a few other factors you will need to consider:
It is definitely a good idea to periodically review this limit on your policy as your NH business's income and expenses change over time and many insurance companies require an accurate limit of coverage in order to be adequately compensated after a covered loss. This is known as the co-insurance requirement and would be found in your policy if applicable.
Business Income coverage is not typically a separate policy but instead incorporated into a business owners policy (BOP). A huge benefit of it being included on a BOP is that loss of business income is typically covered on an "actual loss sustained" basis for up to 12 months. This takes the difficulty out of estimating how much coverage is needed. If your business is on a NH commercial package policy, coverage is not automatic and must be requested with adequate limits selected. Regardless of which type of policy, business interruption coverage can benefit any business, no matter how large or small.
Disaster can strike at any time. Property insurance can help recover physical materials and rebuild your commercial building, but it cannot replace the income you stand to lose during repair or reconstruction. Business interruption insurance is a vital piece to any business's protection and longevity. For specifics about your business and business interruption coverage contact an insurance professional.