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🚫 Business Interruption

Business Interruption Insurance Claim: What Your Business Is Owed

Lost income during forced closure, government order shutdowns, utility failures. Know what's covered, what's typically denied, and how to document your claim so the insurer can't lowball you.

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⚠ Informational only. Not legal advice. For legal representation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
What's Typically Covered
  • Lost net income during covered closure
  • Continuing operating expenses (rent, payroll)
  • Extra expenses to minimize the loss
  • Civil authority coverage for mandatory evacuations
  • Contingent BI from supplier disruption
What Insurers Commonly Deny
  • Closure not resulting from a covered physical loss
  • Voluntary closures
  • Pandemic/virus exclusions (post-COVID standard exclusions)
  • Losses beyond the restoration period
Documentation Checklist
Gather these before contacting your adjuster. Missing documentation is the #1 reason claims are underpaid.
  • Financial statements 12–24 months prior to loss
  • Monthly revenue records by year
  • Proof of physical damage causing closure
  • Expense documentation (rent, payroll, utilities)
  • Evidence of extended closure duration
Frequently Asked Questions
My business was closed for 3 months after a fire. What does business interruption cover?
Business interruption covers your net income loss plus continuing fixed expenses (rent, insurance premiums, loan payments) during the restoration period — typically from the date of loss until you can reasonably reopen.
My insurer says my business interruption period was only 6 weeks — I was closed for 4 months. What can I do?
The restoration period must be "reasonable" — not just the minimum. Document every delay (contractor availability, permit delays, supply chain issues) to extend the covered period.
Search Keywords People Use
If you found this page searching one of these terms — you're in the right place.
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Business Interruption Claims by State
Insurance law varies. Find your state's specific rights and statute of limitations.
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If Your Claim Was Denied

  • Request denial in writing
  • Get the specific exclusion cited
  • File a complaint with your state commissioner
  • Consult an insurance claim attorney
  • Check bad faith law in your state

Average Claim Gap

$14,200

That's the typical difference between an insurer's first offer and the amount the policy actually supports for commercial property claims.