When Earthquake Aftershocks Shut Down Your Shop: Commercial Insurance Realities in Reno, NV

Posted on by admin

Earthquakes pose a significant danger in Reno, NV. And so do the aftershocks. Aftershocks don’t just rattle your nerves; they disrupt your power and shift your inventory. They can even turn a temporary shutdown into a prolonged disaster. Our role at Hinman & Associates Insurance is simple: to help you understand how commercial insurance responds after an aftershock, so you’re not left holding the bag.

Know What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

Here are the facts: Most standard commercial insurance policies explicitly exclude earthquake damage unless an earthquake rider has been added to the policy. That, of course, includes aftershocks, which are treated as part of the same seismic event.

Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you’re completely unprotected. Your policy may still help with some damages if:

  • Your shop suffers from fire, water or electrical damage caused by an aftershock.
  • Local authorities prevent you from accessing your building, interrupting your business operations.
  • Your inventory or signage is damaged by a covered secondary cause, like a burst pipe or broken glass.

Being protected means understanding what primary and secondary causes are covered.

Steps To Take After an Aftershock

  1. Ensure your safety. Check for gas leaks or structural damage before entering your building.
  2. Document everything. Take photos and short notes about what happened. List all the damage you see.
  3. Notify your insurer quickly. After a seismic event, you’re likely not the only victim. Timely reporting helps ensure your damages are processed quickly.
  4. Prevent further loss. Your policy likely requires you to mitigate any potential damages. Board up, cover leaks, and move your undamaged inventory or goods out of harm’s way.

A quick conversation with one of our specialists at Hinman & Associates Insurance can clarify what mitigation your policy requires you to apply and what records you need to support your claim.

Talk With a Local Expert

At Hinman & Associates Insurance, we help Reno, NV, business owners navigate their commercial insurance options. We’ll explain how to prepare before the next tremor hits.