A clothing retailer contacted our claims consultant Steve Angus to help when they suffered a huge fire destroying the entire building and all of their stock.
Situation
On this occasion, knowing how effective we’ve been in similar circumstances, the loss adjuster recommended our services to their client. Steve attended the scene of this devastating fire just as local authorities we about to start demolition due to the dangerous condition and location of the severely damaged building.
Action
The client was keen to reinstate and resume trading at the earliest possible opportunity. Although to begin with it was necessary to secure alternative premises in the town centre. We arranged for a specialist surveyor to be involved at the outset. And the client, with the owner of the upper dwelling, jointly appointed a local architect to help with the reinstatement project.
The loss adjuster appointed by Insurers was fully supportive of the approach recommended by us, including the temporary relocation of the business.
Result
Steve influenced a full reinstatement of the premises together with replacement of all destroyed contents and damaged stock items to the complete satisfaction of the client. We also assisted in the following areas:
Material damage
Although there was some initial concern regarding the adequacy of the buildings sum insured, this ultimately proved to be a minor issue. On completion of the reinstatement process, virtually all costs incurred by the client were recovered under the policy with a total loss having been agreed in relation to all material damage.
Business interruption
Although the reinstatement project extended beyond the maximum indemnity period, the fact that the client had relocated to temporarily mitigated any reduction in turnover. Following reoccupation of the reinstated premises, the client’s business has grown from strength to strength.
What the client said: “Steve Angus held my hand throughout a very difficult time and made the process painless and smooth”
