Is Your Business Insurance Ready for a Disaster? 

Many small business owners only realize they are underinsured when they need coverage the most. One restaurant owner thought their policy protected them from fire, but it did not cover damage from a neighboring business that burned down. A children’s gym owner believed her space was fully insured, only to realize after the wildfires that her policy classified it as an adult fitness center, leaving her uncovered when it mattered most.

It is often these small details that make the biggest difference when filing a claim. The time to check your coverage is during blue skies, not after a disaster strikes.

To help business owners prepare, Outsmart Disaster partnered with United Policyholders for a webinar focused on understanding and strengthening insurance coverage. The discussion shed light on the most common mistakes, gaps, and overlooked options that can make or break your ability to recover after a disaster.

Key Takeaways from United Policyholders 

Actively Review Your Insurance Policy: Work with a trusted agent to ensure your coverage limits are sufficient. Ask specifically for Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage and consider critical add-ons like Code Upgrade/Law and Ordinance and a dedicated Cyber Liability policy to close common gaps.

Document Everything to Prove Your Loss: Keep thorough records. Create a video inventory of your business assets, store copies off-site or in the cloud, and maintain a communication log with your insurer and adjusters.

Handle Claims Strategically: Document all damage with photos right away. For smaller losses, consider the impact of filing a claim versus paying out of pocket, as frequent claims can increase future premiums.

The bottom line: A strong insurance plan is part of a strong business continuity plan. Take time now to understand your coverage so you are not caught off guard later.

Watch the full webinar: Plan, Protect, Recover: Navigating Insurance & Business Continuity Before and After Disaster

November 2025