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Your business is your livelihood. But storms, hurricanes, fires, or robberies can leave you picking up the pieces and struggling to get back in operation. Commercial property insurance is supposed to protect business owners from covering these costs themselves. If you need help getting a fair settlement from your insurance company, Brasher Law can fight for you.

What Does a Commercial Property Insurance Policy Cover?

Commercial property insurance covers your company’s physical assets from “covered perils,” such as fires or accidents. Most insurance companies bundle it with liability insurance in a business owner’s policy (BOP).

Some of the common assets commercial property insurance can protect include:

  • Buildings: Covers damage to physical buildings you own or rent, such as storefronts and warehouses.
  • Business personal property: Pays to repair or replace your business’s personal assets, including equipment, tools, supplies, and inventory.
  • Loss of revenue: If property damage prevents you from operating, business interruption insurance may cover lost income.

What Is Not Typically Covered by Commercial Property Insurance?

While commercial property insurance covers many property-related incidents, most policies include exclusions such as:

  • Certain natural disasters, like flooding
  • Company vehicles, such as cars or delivery trucks
  • Employee injuries

What Kinds of Businesses Get Commercial Property Insurance?

Both small businesses and large operations benefit from commercial property insurance.

Some of the commercial clients we commonly see include:

  • Convenience stores
  • Storage units and mini-storage businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Strip malls
  • Office buildings
  • Apartments and duplexes
  • Clothing boutiques
  • Liquor stores
  • Furniture stores

How Do You File a Commercial Property Damage Claim?

The exact process varies depending on the type of damage and your insurer’s requirements. However, you can follow our checklist when filing a commercial property damage claim.

  1. Document the scene: Take photos or videos of all damage and gather security footage if available.
  2. Secure the scene: Take temporary measures to prevent further damage, such as boarding windows or covering roof damage. Hire a contractor if needed.
  3. File a police report: In cases of theft or vandalism, report the incident to law enforcement.
  4. Create an inventory: List all damaged or destroyed items and gather proof of ownership.
  5. Gather invoices and receipts: Keep records of repair costs and business losses.
  6. Contact your insurance company: Report the damage and begin the claims process.

From there, your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster who will evaluate your documentation and inspect the property before issuing a settlement offer or denial.

In Texas, insurance companies have 15 days to respond to your claim, with the option to extend up to 45 days with a valid reason.

Louisiana does not have a strict response deadline, but insurers must respond within a reasonable time.

Can You Dispute a Commercial Property Insurance Claim?

Insurance companies promise protection, but they also aim to minimize payouts. This is especially common with large commercial claims or widespread disaster events.

If you are not satisfied with the initial settlement or your claim is denied, you can appeal directly with your insurer or escalate the matter with help from a public adjuster or attorney.

Common reasons to dispute a claim include:

Lowball Offers

Insurers may undervalue repair or replacement costs, especially in large commercial claims.

Pre-existing Damage Claims

Your insurer may argue that damage is due to wear and tear rather than a covered event.

Lack of Documentation

The company may claim you did not provide sufficient evidence, such as photos or proof of ownership.

Technicalities

Claims may be denied due to minor technical issues, such as delays in reporting.

Bad Faith Practices

Some insurers may ignore evidence or delay the process to reduce payouts.

Is Using a Public Adjuster a Good Idea?

Public adjusters can be helpful for large or complex commercial claims.

You also do not have to choose between a public adjuster and an attorney—they can work together to achieve the best outcome.

When to Involve an Attorney

Your Claim Is Denied Without a Clear Explanation

If your insurer provides vague or unsupported reasons, an attorney can review your policy and determine whether the denial is improper.

Your Claim Is Being Delayed

Repeated requests for information or long periods without communication may indicate bad faith.

You Receive a Low Settlement Offer

If your damages are undervalued, legal guidance can help you pursue fair compensation.

The Insurer Fails to Investigate Properly

Ignoring evidence or relying on incomplete reports may indicate improper handling.

The Dispute Is Causing Financial Hardship

If delays or denials are impacting your business operations, legal support can help move your claim forward.

A Commercial Insurance Claims Attorney Serving Texas and Louisiana

If you are dealing with a bad faith insurance claim or need help recovering the full value of your policy, strong legal representation can make a difference.

Insurance companies invest heavily in minimizing claims, often relying on experts and legal teams to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of support.

With more than a decade of experience and licenses in Texas and Louisiana, our attorneys are dedicated to helping business owners recover what they are owed.

We serve clients throughout Texas and Louisiana.

If your commercial insurance claim was denied in bad faith, be sure to Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

 

Brasher Law Firm is licensed in TX, LA, CO, UT, OK, and NV