Filing an Insurance Claim for Commercial Fire Damage in Chicagoland: What Business Owners Need to Know

Introduction — Protect Your Property and Your Claim

When a fire disrupts your Chicagoland business — whether it’s a retail store in Oak Brook, a restaurant in Highland Park, or a warehouse in Elk Grove Village — the impact is more than physical. You’re dealing with operational shutdowns, revenue loss, safety hazards, and a complicated insurance claims process.

The actions you take in the first 48 hours are critical. With the right approach, you can speed up your claim, protect your bottom line, and get back to business sooner.

For over 40 years, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has been helping Chicagoland businesses recover from devastating fires. As part of the nation’s oldest restoration brand — founded in Chicago in 1929 — we bring unmatched local expertise and national resources. Our credentials include:

• IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer Certification (industry’s highest distinction)
• Restoration Industry Association (RIA) membership
• A proven track record restoring retail, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, and office properties across Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties

This guide walks you through every step of filing and managing your insurance claim for commercial fire damage — with insights that only decades of local experience can provide.

Step 1 — Put Safety First

• Evacuate all employees, customers, and visitors immediately.
• Call 911 if not already done.
• Avoid re-entry until fire officials declare it safe.
• Watch for hazards like weakened floors, exposed wiring, and airborne soot.

Step 2 — Notify Your Insurance Carrier Immediately

Most policies require prompt notice. When calling:

1. Provide your policy number.
2. Report the date and time of the fire.
3. Give an initial description of the damage.
4. Request a complete copy of your policy for reference.

Step 3 — Document Everything Before Cleanup

• Take photos and video of all affected areas, both wide shots and close-ups.
• Inventory damaged equipment, documents, and inventory.
• Keep all invoices, receipts, and estimates.
• Record all calls and emails with your adjuster.

Step 4 — Understand the Full Scope of Commercial Fire Damage

Fire damage often includes:

• Smoke and soot infiltration in walls, ceilings, and HVAC systems
• Water damage from firefighting efforts
• Mold growth if moisture isn’t removed promptly
• Structural weakening requiring code-compliant reconstruction
• Content damage to electronics, inventory, and furniture

For more on the difference between cleaning and full rebuilds, see our related post:

Fire Damage Cleaning vs. Full Restoration — What Chicagoland Property Owners Need to Know

Step 5 — Prevent Further Damage (Mitigation)

Insurance policies often include a duty to mitigate clause. This means:

• Board up windows and doors.
• Tarp damaged roofs.
• Remove standing water and start drying.
• Relocate salvageable contents to a safe location.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons offers 24/7 emergency mitigation services across Chicagoland.

Step 6 — Choose an IICRC-Certified Restoration Partner

We specialize in commercial fire damage restoration, coordinating directly with insurers to streamline claims. Our services include:

• Structural cleaning and rebuilding
• Smoke odor removal with advanced deodorization
• HVAC cleaning to remove soot particles
• Content pack-out, cleaning, and storage
• Full insurance documentation and project management

We’ve restored commercial properties in:

• Cook County — Chicago Loop, West Loop, Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Skokie, Oak Park, River Forest
• Lake County — Lake Forest, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Libertyville, Vernon Hills
• DuPage County — Naperville, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Lombard

Step 7 — Review Business Interruption Coverage

This coverage may help cover:

• Lost income during downtime
• Temporary relocation expenses
• Payroll and other ongoing business costs

Step 8 — Track Every Step

• Keep a written log of all meetings with your adjuster.
• Save all estimates and approvals.
• Confirm agreements in writing.

Step 9 — Restore and Reopen with Confidence

Our goal is to minimize downtime while ensuring your property is safe, fully repaired, and code-compliant.

Our Core Services for Chicagoland Businesses

• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning Services

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

With over 40 years of local expertise, we’re the trusted choice for commercial disaster recovery in Chicagoland, including Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties. We are IICRC-certified, RIA members, and co-authors of the book RESTORE: A Complete Guide To Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset.

FAQs — Commercial Fire Damage Insurance Claims in Chicagoland

Q: How long does a commercial fire insurance claim take to settle in Chicagoland?
A: Timelines vary, but with proper documentation and professional restoration support, many claims settle within 30–90 days.

Q: Can I start repairs before the insurance adjuster visits?
A: Only emergency mitigation (like boarding up or water removal) should be done before the adjuster documents the damage.

Q: Will my policy cover smoke damage to equipment and inventory?
A: Most commercial policies do, but coverage depends on your policy terms.

Q: How can ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons help with my claim?
A: We provide full loss documentation, work directly with your adjuster, and complete restoration work to code — minimizing downtime and disputes.