Avoiding Insurance Claims: Protecting Your Pipes

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid having to file a business claim by taking steps to prevent water damage to your building.

Keeping Your Pipes Safe to Avoid Insurance Claims

When you are considering what type of coverage you need in your commercial insurance package, you need to consider all the issues that could occur and how well the policies you've chosen cover those issues. Filing a business claim for your property in Peoria, AZ, is not a pleasant task, but it can be a relief to discover that your insurance company has your back. Some things are not covered by your basic property insurance, though, and it's important to know what those things are.

Possible Exclusions

Commercial property insurance is designed to cover the costs of things that happen to your building, such as a pipe break, fire, or theft. There are some instances when this policy probably doesn't pay:

• Flooding from storms or other natural disasters
• Extensive mold growth
• Damage that occurs due to neglect or improper preparation
• Problems that result from code violations

Pay close attention to the exclusions in your policy before you need to file a business claim. The bill from water damage specialists may not be covered if the damage was simply a consequence of poor maintenance.

Claim Prevention

The best course of action is to avoid the damage in the first place. You can protect your pipes and thus your building by taking a few precautionary measures. Make sure your pipes are insulated, especially if they are close to an exterior wall.

Protect your building from leaks by having a strong building envelope and keeping drainage systems clear of debris. In the winter, don't turn off the heater over the weekend; your building should still remain at 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher at all times to avoid frozen pipes. Finally, if a pipe does burst, know your building well enough that you can shut off the water at the source to stop the gushing.

When you own property, it is in your best interest to avoid having to file a business claim by taking steps to prevent water damage to your building. Preparation is the best way to protect your investment.