Geared Up Issue 1 2015 | Page 41

Value the insurance asset This consists of looking at all available limits of your policies and determining where the loss fits within all your policies. This comes in handy in the case of a policy buy-back offer. To determine if that is the best business decision, you need to know if the value of the insurance asset is just the value of the policy or, for example, if you should consider defense costs. Set the target/demand You need to have a goal in mind from the beginning of the process. Are there any circumstances in which you’re willing to compromise regarding the amount you receive? If so, let your insurance company know from the start and it may increase the chances that you receive that amount in a more timely fashion. Negotiate the claim It’s easy to feel like David fighting Goliath. Goliath being an insurance company with an arsenal to fight claims. But you’re dealing with business people and you can use relationships to help negotiate. Perhaps your broker can help apply leverage. Access every person and resource at your disposal, identifying key pressure points and using them to your advantage. Don’t give up Filing or fighting a claim can seem like a daunting task—especially with the relentless requests for information while you’re working to keep your business running and, potentially, even tangibly recovering from the loss. But challenge your rights. If you simply accept an initial denial, you’re only making it easier for insurance companies to continue to push the boundaries of coverage. And while this isn’t an official tip, as a general rule, it’s wise to remain professional during all aspects of filing a claim. Hans recommends always rising above the fray and wearing the “white hat.”When dealing with something as personal as the business you have worked so hard to build, it can be easy to lose your cool, but you’ll come off looking better and perhaps be in a better spot to leverage your business position if you remained kind and courteous throughout the process. G 800-247-3251 www.uri-online.com 26145 1st St. Westlake, OH 44145 Get Geared Up With Ultraviolet YOUR 1 STOP TANNING SHOP FOR LOTIONS, LAMPS AND ACCESSORIES! GearedUp | 2015 Issue 1 • Full service lamp & lotion distribution • Convenient & easy 24/7 online ordering • Support for all major lotion vendor programs: * New Sunshine Premier Cash Back * Devoted Creations 5 Star Diamond * Sun Evolutions Platinum • FDA compliant lamps for virtually all sunbeds • Extensive inventory for fast, same day shipping 39