- Reporting the crime and documenting losses are crucial steps if your business is burglarized or damaged by vandals
- Businesses should also be prepared to respond to cybercrime
- Losses from riots or civil disorders are generally covered by insurance policies, though this could change after widespread unrest this summer
Many small business owners have arrived to open up for the day only to discover that their business has been targeted by thieves or damaged by vandals. There has been heightened awareness about this kind of setback as businesses closed by coronavirus-related shutdowns have been more prone to break-ins and businesses in several cities have suffered millions in property damage due to civil unrest.
Inc.com recently published a guide for small business owners to respond to crime at their property, saying it is crucial to report the matter to police, document any losses, and make the business more secure. Business owners should also be aware of how to respond if they are the victims or cybercrime such as data breaches.
A standard business owners insurance policy usually covers physical damage to a business due to fire, riots, or vandalism, though insurers may be more reluctant to cover losses caused by civil unrest. Insurers may also consider excluding coverage for riot damage after 21 major civil disturbances occurred across the country after George Floyd died during his arrest by Minneapolis police officers.