Commercial Property Fire Coverage

Types of Coverage

 

There are two primary factors that come into play when dealing with fire protection. Make sure your coverage incorporates them both to make sure you won’t be left holding the bill.

Commercial Property – This is the portion of your policy that kicks in to cover the building itself and the equipment in it. When there is a loss to physical assets caused by a fire, this is what pays for replacement and repair costs.

Commercial Casualty – In the aftermath of a fire, there may be a time period where you may not be able to conduct business, often due to damaged workspace. This part of your policy will cover loss of revenue during the recovery period after a fire.

Based on your policy, these coverages will offer different levels of protection. Review your situation to make sure that the amount of coverage is comparable to your potential risks.

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Fire Sprinkler System Credit

 

You can greatly reduce your premiums for fire coverage by installing a sprinkler alarm system. With some insurance providers offering 10-60 percent discounts, systems can quickly pay for themselves. However, to get your full credit, you have to make sure that your system is reviewed.

According to the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), many organizations receive little to no credit on their Fire Insurance for having a fire sprinkler system in place. This is because the facility and the sprinkler system have not been properly inspected in order to provide full credit. Yet, at the request of your insurance company, ISO can inspect your facility and develop an accurate credit on your Fire Insurance, which will reduce your overhead costs and, in turn, increase your bottom line.

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Fire Sprinkler Evaluation Process

 

The ISO fire sprinkler evaluation process consists of a review of the following areas:

• System design based on the requirements of occupancy

• Available water supply

• System installation and components

• System testing

• Inspection of areas of the building without sprinklers

• Building conditions affecting the sprinkler operation

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Necessary Testing and Certifications

 

The following must be reviewed or completed before receiving an ISO credit:

• Main Drain Test

• Copy of the Underground and Overhead Piping Hydraulic Test Certificate

• Dry Pipe Trip Test Results (systems with dry pipe valves only)

• Fire Pump Performance Test Results (systems with fire pumps only)

• System Design Criteria Evaluation (through a review of the sprinkler plans, hydraulic calculations or hydraulic data plaque information)

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Count on the experts

 

When it comes to getting the appropriate coverage at a reasonable price, The Regional Insurance Services Inc. is here for you. Learn more about insuring against fire and how you can receive full credit for your fire sprinkler system by contacting us today.

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