Jason, I am very sorry to hear the news. Your insurers are there to help, but the chances of seeing a loss adjuster today would be slim. Suggest you look for alternative premises (if Exeter cannot be used an hour travelling maybe a problem for most customers) or sharing a salon if possible.
Has the Fire Officer or Police been able to establish the cause of the fire? Electrical?
For everyone, please check that your premises has an updated Electrical Certificate issued by an NICEIC approved contractor. Insurance companies are looking to introduce additional policy warranties (these terms/ sections apply at all times) including Electrical Warranty; failure to adhere to this warranty may result in the insurance company refusing to settle the claim.
In our current climate, arson is a constant threat/ worry, thus the Emergency Services will need to satisfy themselves to the cause of the fire and whether it was suspicious. Don't be alarmed, this is standard practice.
Our company suffered a fire (arson) following a botched robbery; the thief set the building alight as he had cut himself and thus wanted to remove all trace of his prints/ dna. The offices (3 storeys) were inhabitable for 51 weeks, so I cannot underestimate the benefits of drafting a BCP (Business Continuity Plan)/ Disaster Recovery Policy so you can hit the ground running following a catastrophe loss. The main items to include are: -
· Contact list following a loss at your premises or in situations when you have no access to your business (denial of access); the contact list would entail who is contacted first and their responsibilities (who contacts clients/ suppliers/ insurance company etc)
· Keep both employees (team role) and clients informed at all times, thus no down time
· Establish if alternative premises can be utilised; ideal scenario is that this is organised prior where possible (communicate with local salons for renting space/ chairs this can work both ways so you are both covered)
· Redirect telephone to mobiles/ business email to your hotmail account or equivalent (your plan should have all contact names/ numbers and account info to hand)
· Asset register; list of all items to be insured with serial number info etc
· Back-up all data to external hard drive/ disc (or via internet) and keep off premises
· Back up procedure and restore document/s
· Obtain updated contact information for employees (not only for catastrophe incidents but for Health & Safety) which includes next of kin, all contact numbers
· Include Fire Evacuation drill and Fire Extinguisher use
· Copies of the Disaster Recovery Plan should be offsite and accessible
Salons are usually insured under a standard 'Shop/ Retail' insurance policy; this is a package policy and includes Business Interruption usually for a 2 year indemnity period. This section would provide a monetary sum (up to the standard sum insured - £500,000 or similar) in respect of the Loss of Gross Profit following physical loss or damage to the premises. The 2 year indemnity period represents the maximum period during which insurers will provide cover in the event of loss or damage, reflecting the time necessary to rebuild or reestablish premises, equipment and resources.
With regard to your Contents, it is essential that you insure for full value replacement irrespective if you were given a chair or bought second hand. You cannot assume that if you are insured for £10,000 that is how much you will receive. If you are under insured, insurers will apply Average, known as under insurance. If the value to replace contents etc is actually £20,000, you are 50% under insured which in turn would see you be paid £5,000 50%. Stock notes actual cost not retail. Dont forget any alterations to the premises (Tenants Improvements) such as new suspended ceiling/ floor check that these are insured in addition to your main contents.
Sharing experience/ information is key to any business.
Good luck Jason.