Being out of action: It’s a business’s worst nightmare. Fortunately for this cafe, a client of Smart Business Insurance, having adequate insurance policies in place ensured business could continue with minimal interruption after a malfunction caused significant damage to its premises.

It was just like any other day. The cafe owners cashed up, stacked tables and chairs, cleaned and wiped floors and surfaces, and replenished stocks ready for the next day’s trade.

Unfortunately, the next morning was most unlike any other morning the owners had faced.

Overnight, the cafe’s coffee machine had malfunctioned, causing the machine to emit steam throughout the premises overnight.

Hours and hours of steam had caused significant damage; damage to the floor, walls, fixtures and fittings, meaning the business was at a standstill – albeit a temporary one.

“It was incredible, the amount of damage steam could do to the premises in a relatively short space of time,” says Mark Vanzo, managing director and founder of Smart Business Insurance.

“The owners were, understandably, stunned and devastated. To see something that you’ve put your heart and soul into on the verge of ruin is hard to take.”

Fortunately, the owners had the relevant insurance policies in place.

“We’d worked on the policies they needed to ensure they were comfortable with their cover and risk exposure , so while the phone call they made to our team was one of distress, they were reassured by the knowledge they had the right things in place and they had a broker who was on their side,  who’d manage the claims process for them.”

The business’s Fire and Perils policy was claimed on, and the SMART team of business insurance brokers  worked with the insurer and the underwriter to achieve a speedy outcome.

“We had the policy with an Australian-owned insurer. We worked with the client to prepare and lodge the claim, and liaised with the insurer to make sure it moved along quickly.

“The assessor was out that same day, and the insurance company paid out on the third day.

“It took a few weeks for the repair to be completed, and fortunately they were able to trade through.

“While no one ever wants a situation where they are claiming on this type of insurance, the client was so relieved that their business insurance policy responded when it needed to, and we worked together to restore the business to what it was before that fateful morning.”

For more information or a quote on suitable and affordable business insurance for your café please contact the friendly  team at SMART Business insurance on 1300 542 573 or via enquiry@smartinsure.com.au