Use a Commercial Inspection to Add Value and Minimize Claims this Winter

Typically, limited interaction occurs between insureds and insurance carriers, which makes it challenging to build relationships and establish loyalty. However, a way that you can add value to insureds is to complete a commercial inspection this winter to ensure that the property is in good condition to withstand seasonal weather.

This winter has already proven to be especially brutal throughout much of the country, even in areas that typically experience mild winters. Many Florida property owners aren’t as prepared as they should be for these weather conditions, which increases the risk of property damage and interruption in business operations. An in-person commercial inspection will help to identify vulnerable areas and minimize the risk of damage.

Here are several ways that insurance carriers can use a commercial inspection to add value to insureds this winter:

1. Inspect the conditions of the roof.
The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a commercial building and can take a beating during the winter months. Some of the biggest threats to a commercial roof include condensation, ice, snow, hail, and clogged gutters. A commercial inspection can reveal issues before they become a problem and help property owners to proactively make improvements.

2. Determine the efficiency of the HVAC system.
As the temperatures dip down, property owners will want to make sure that the interior of the building maintains a comfortable temperature for conducive working conditions. A property inspector will check to see if the building’s HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency to minimize outages and inflated heating costs.

3. Check gas lines.
Checking gas lines during a winter property inspection for facilities that rely on gas heat is essential. Inspectors will look for signs of corrosion in gas line connections and recommend replacement solutions if necessary.

4. Check for water leaks.
Water leaks can cause astronomical damage to a commercial building. Since the origin of leaks are not always easy to identify, having a commercial inspector check the building’s roof and plumbing for leaks can add a lot of value to the relationship with property owners.

5. Smoke alarm inspection.
Fire damage to a commercial property can be devastating and result in a significant insurance claim. Property owners can minimize their risk of fire damage by regularly inspecting smoke detectors and maintaining the building’s fire alarm system. A commercial inspection can help to identify any issues with the system and alert property owners of corrections that need to be made.

In summary, offering commercial inspections to insureds this winter is a way that insurance carriers can differentiate themselves from the competition, add value, and minimize risk.

Our team of seasoned professionals at Insurance Risk Services can help you to complete thorough commercial property inspections and provide you with the most accurate underwriting reports in the industry. Contact us to learn how we help insurance carriers make informed underwriting decisions.