No one wants to think about disasters and the rebuilding process if such an event were to occur. However, as a business owner, the continuity of your company depends on how you respond to a catastrophe. Even if you have a plan in place to continue business operations in the wake of a tragedy, have you considered every step of the rebuilding process?
Debris removal coverage is an inclusion or added endorsement that reimburses you for the costs of removing debris after a covered peril. Costhelper.com estimates that the cost to remove debris from your property could range anywhere from $50 to more than $3,500, depending on what and how materials need to be disposed. So, consider the following reasons why you should ensure that this coverage is included in your business owner’s policy and that you understand its perimeters.
• Additional Damage- in theory, removing debris after a disaster or catastrophe may seem simple. However, the risk of causing additional damage in the process is very real, and can threaten any financial reserves you have in place for the situation. For instance, in the midst of extraction, a weakened tree or support beam could collapse, causing additional damage to a nearby building. Opt to have a professional address the situation, and use your debris removal coverage to help reimburse his or her fees.
• Local Ordinances- keep in mind that after a disaster or catastrophe, local and state ordinances could impact the methods by which the debris has to be removed, causing an increase in the amount of money needed to clear your property. For instance, you may need to pay for local
permits to complete debris removal, as your property will be considered a temporary worksite. Having debris removal coverage can help alleviate some of the costs associated with adhering to local regulations.
• Special Handling- even after you’ve addressed any local ordinances regarding debris removal in your area, there may still be environmental regulations that impact how that debris is disposed. For instance, if your business suffered a fire, and the resulting debris had ceiling tiles that contained asbestos, there are laws regarding the disposal of such materials. Again, having a professional address the debris removal will be to your benefit, as they are aware of these regulations, and your debris removal coverage can help reimburse his or her fees.
Thinking about disasters and how they could impact your business is difficult. However, to ensure the endurance of your company, you have to consider every aspect of the rebuilding process, including debris removal. Talk to your independent agent about adding debris removal coverage to your current business owner’s policy or for further clarification on your preexisting coverage. And for more business tips and information, log-on to
www.preferredmutual.com.