Business Interruption Claims

To prove income loss, you’ll need detailed financial records, such as profit and loss statements, tax returns, and sales reports from prior years. It’s also helpful to provide documentation showing reduced customer traffic, supplier disruptions, or other factors directly related to the event. Working with an attorney can help ensure that you provide the necessary evidence and avoid common pitfalls in documentation.

Yes, some policies may provide coverage if your business operations were significantly reduced, even if you weren’t forced to shut down completely. This is sometimes referred to as "partial interruption" coverage. Review your policy details carefully to see if this is included, or consult with an attorney who can help interpret your coverage.

Business interruption insurance usually covers events like fires, water losses, pipe breaks, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. It can also cover certain types of equipment failure or utility outages, as long as the event is covered under your property insurance. However, it won’t cover exclusions like wear and tear or gradual damage, so it’s important to understand the specific triggers in your policy.

Most policies have a waiting period of 48 to 72 hours before coverage kicks in. However, the exact waiting period depends on your policy’s terms. During this time, any losses you incur won’t be covered, so it’s important to review this detail in your policy when calculating your potential risk.

Yes, you can still file a claim for lost income and operating expenses, even if you didn’t purchase extra expense coverage. Extra expense coverage simply provides additional compensation for costs incurred to keep the business running during the interruption, but it's not necessary to file a basic interruption claim.

Civil authority coverage applies when a government entity restricts access to your business due to a covered event (such as a nearby fire or evacuation order). This can trigger your business interruption policy even if your physical premises were not directly damaged. However, this type of coverage usually has strict limitations, so reviewing the specific language in your policy is key.

If there is a disagreement over the value of your claim, you have several options. You can provide additional documentation to support your calculations, request a third-party appraisal, or escalate the dispute through legal channels. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, pursue litigation to ensure you receive fair compensation.

If you’re unsure about the specifics of your coverage, or you’re facing delays or denials from your insurer, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable attorney. At Murray Law Group, our experienced team can review your policy, guide you through the claims process, and help you stand up to your insurance company to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help protect your business during this challenging time.