CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) – Many local business owners assume their property insurance policies are comprehensive, but Lyle Burns of InsureChampaign Hilb Group says that confidence can be dangerously misplaced.
Speaking on a recent Ask the Pros segment, Burns explained that standard commercial property policies often have hidden gaps that can leave businesses financially exposed when disaster strikes.
“Just because your building is insured for a million dollars doesn’t mean you’re covered for everything that could go wrong,” Burns said. “A common example is sewer and water backup — most policies only cover up to $5,000 or $10,000, but the cleanup alone can far exceed that.”
Burns, who works with businesses across Champaign-Urbana — from contractors to family-owned shops — also pointed to ordinance and law coverage as another frequently missed area. This coverage helps pay for code-required upgrades, like sprinkler systems or ADA accessibility improvements, which can be required after rebuilding. Without this, those expenses come straight out of the business owner’s pocket.
Beyond physical repairs, Burns emphasized that business interruption insurance is crucial to keeping operations viable post-loss. “It’s what helps cover lost income and, more importantly, payroll,” he said. “If a business can’t pay its employees while it’s shut down, those workers are going to find jobs elsewhere — and rebuilding your team is a lot harder than replacing drywall.”
The real message, Burns said, is that insurance is about more than just fixing buildings — it’s about protecting the future of the business. “A well-rounded policy is one of the smartest investments a business can make,” Burns said. “And having a local insurance partner who will run toward the fire — not away from it — makes all the difference.”
For businesses looking to review their coverage or better understand their risk, InsureChampaign Hilb Group is available at (217) 735-6311 at insurechampaign.net, or in person at 1817 South Neil Street, Champaign.
