Winter-Proofing Your Business: How to Prevent Costly Claims This Season
When temperatures drop, so does your business’s risk tolerance. Cold weather brings frozen pipes, slip-and-fall injuries, and unexpected equipment failures that can interrupt your operations or lead to expensive claims. The good news? A little preparation now can save you time, stress, and money later.
Here are a few smart ways to winter-proof your business before the cold sets in:
1. Inspect and Maintain Your Building
Check your roof for leaks, clean gutters, and ensure that snow and ice can drain properly. Frozen or backed-up water is one of the most common causes of commercial property damage during winter. Inside, make sure heating systems are serviced and thermostats are working properly to prevent pipes from freezing.
2. Protect Against Slips and Falls
Ice, snow, and wet entryways can be hazardous for both employees and customers. Keep walkways and parking lots salted, post “wet floor” signs when needed, and make sure lighting is adequate in high-traffic areas. Preventing just one injury could protect you from a costly liability claim.
3. Secure Your Equipment and Inventory
Cold temperatures can damage sensitive equipment and supplies. Store valuable or temperature-sensitive items in climate-controlled areas and keep backup generators or space heaters on hand if power outages are common in your area.
4. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Before winter weather hits, take a few minutes to review your commercial property, general liability, and business interruption policies. Confirm that coverage limits match your current assets and that deductibles make sense for your business.
5. Create an Emergency Response Plan
Outline who to call and what to do if damage or an accident occurs. Quick reporting helps get claims resolved faster and keeps disruptions to a minimum.
At Generazio Associates, we help businesses prepare for every season — not just react when something goes wrong. If you’d like to schedule a coverage review before winter, our team can help identify gaps and make sure your policy fits your needs.
Stay proactive. Stay protected.
Reach out today for a quick year-end business insurance checkup.