When a natural disaster or other emergency strikes, commercial building owners and property managers are often left scrambling to assess the damage and make repairs. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process, especially if the building is not up to code. That’s where building ordinance insurance comes in. Building ordinance insurance covers the cost of bringing a commercial building up to code after it has been damaged or destroyed. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what building ordinance insurance is, how it can help you in the event of an emergency, and what to keep in mind.
Building ordinance insurance typically covers the cost of demolition and rebuilding, as well as any necessary changes to comply with current codes and ordinances. This type of coverage can be invaluable after a disaster, helping to ensure that your commercial property is repaired or rebuilt quickly and up to code.
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to building ordinance insurance coverage.
• Where is your building located?
• What are the applicable laws and ordinances related to your building?
• What are the typical natural disasters and how often do they occur?
You also want to consider based on how old your building is which type of coverage to have. For example, if your building is older it may be more cost-effective to have rebuilding expenses coverage instead of cost to upgrade coverage.
Building ordinance insurance can be a lifesaver in the event of a natural disaster or other emergencies. By understanding what it is and how it works, you can make sure that your business is protected in the event of an unexpected event.
How does it work? You’ll need to have established the coverage first. From there when your building is damaged or requires demolishing, rebuilding, or repairs due to laws or regulations required by the local building codes for improvement. You then submit your claim to your insurance company and they will ask for additional paperwork and/or documentation. Once approved they will inform you of their process. Keep in mind you’ll need to make sure you have the correct coverage.
You may already have it and not realized it. Check with your policyholder to see if you do. They will be able to tell you the extent of your policy and if it fits within the 3 main segments: A – Undamaged Portion of the Building, B – Demolition, or C – Increased Costs of Construction.
So, what does all of this mean for you as a business owner? When choosing your property insurance, it’s important to find a company that offers ordinance coverage. This will ensure that your building and everything inside are protected in the event of a major disaster.
If you have any questions about ordinance insurance or want to learn more, contact us today. We would be happy to help!
