Expediting recovery following a factory fire

Even with robust fire prevention and suppression systems in place, accidents sometimes still happen. One bedding manufacturer discovered this first-hand when a rogue spark ignited flammable materials on its production line and spread into its lint extraction equipment.

Thankfully, the factory’s fire suppression systems contained the blaze and prevented a total loss. From there, the challenge became getting back up and running as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. FM Affiliated proved a valuable partner for helping the manufacturer and its broker achieve these aims.

How we minimized the business impact

This manufacturer had strong loss mitigation plans in place and was proactive in fixing its damaged electrical and mechanical equipment.

We dispatched our in-house loss adjuster to provide advice on how best to scope and cost the restoration measures the client was planning immediately, then met with the client and the broker to discuss the fire’s impact on the business.

The broker brought in a claims preparer to assist with the preparation of the claim. FM Affiliated works with claims preparation advocates regularly. We engaged with this one from day one to collect real-time information on the business’s performance, agree a strategy for successful settlement, and ensure decision-making alignment.

Our adjuster worked with the manufacturer with the aim of having them back up and running in one month. We proposed to the broker that we reconvene after three weeks to either provide an advanced payment or settle the loss completely. Within a month, the loss was settled in the order of £400,000.

Lessons for brokers

• Communication is key. If you’re going to bring in a loss preparer, allow us to work collaboratively with them from the outset to streamline processes and achieve the best outcome for the client.
• Foster transparency and collaboration. Choose claims preparers that will share information and collaborate with loss adjusters in real time to expedite claims processing and minimize business interruption.
• Claims management excellence benefits everyone. Recommending insurance carriers that provide claims excellence is a great way for brokers to deepen client relationships. At FM Affiliated, we are committed to ensuring client relationships are as strong as ever, or stronger than ever, after a loss event has occurred, and conduct ourselves accordingly.

This is the tenth in a series of articles FM Affiliated is producing to help brokers understand the value we can provide to their commercial property insurance clients. Look out for the next post in this series for more valuable insights.