A business goes through a lot of ups and downs during the course of its lifetime. In case of businesses in the Grand Rapids, MI, things can go wrong as well. This is where business insurance in Grand Rapids, MI can save business owners a lot of stress and money. But how about you avoid these all together? Here are some of the most common business insurance claims and how you can steer clear of them.

• Property Damage from Severe Weather

You won’t believe how much damage storms can cause. Between heavy snow, strong winds and even the occasional tornado, Michigan weather is no joke. One bad storm can leave you with a leaking roof, broker windows or even a flooded storefront.

The only way to avoid it is regular maintenance. Check your roof, reinforce windows and keep gutters clear. If a storm is one the way, secure outdoor furniture and make sure you have a backup plan in case of power outages. A little prep now can save you a huge headache later.

• Customer Injury Claims or Liability Claims

Now here’s a scenario – someone walks into your store, slips on a wet floor and the next thing you know, you’re dealing with a lawsuit. It happens more often than you would think. Whether it’s a slippery entryway in the winter or an uneven sidewalk outside, liability claims are common and expensive.

The only fix is to keep your business space safe. Clean up spills as soon as possible, put down floor mats when it’s rainy or snowy and make sure walkways are well-lit and clear. Signs help too such as a warning for a wet floor.

• Employee Accidents

Workplace injuries can happen every day, even in offices. Workers can experience a slip, a fall or even a repetitive strain injury from too much typing. These are all workers’ comp claims which can add up fast. There is even more risk if you own a business with physical labour involved.

To lower the chances of this happening, train your employees on safety procedures. Make sure they have the right equipment, take breaks when needed and report hazards immediately. A safe workplace is a happy workplace and saves you from costly claims.

• Theft and Vandalism

Sadly, break-ins and vandalism are a reality for businesses everywhere. Whether it is a smashed window or stolen inventory, these incidents can hit your finances hard.

But you can take steps to protect your business. Install security cameras, use strong locks and make sure your lighting is good at night. An alarm system is also a solid investment. The more secure your place looks; the less likely criminals will mess with it.

Conclusion

No business owner likes dealing with insurance claims. However, knowing what to watch can help you avoid them. It includes storm-proofing your property, keeping customers safe, or protecting against cyber threats. However, its better safe to be sorry and businesses are advised to go for some form of insurance.