For businesses, the changing seasons bring distinct challenges and exposures. From heavy summer storms to cold winter freezes, each season introduces risks—yet many business owners remain underinsured or unaware. This is where commercial property insurance steps in as a critical protective layer. Here are some seasonal risks: 

1. Spring Thaw & Storm Damage: Snowmelt and early spring rains can quickly lead to water infiltration and flooding, especially in older buildings or coastal zones near Annapolis. Roof stress from snow accumulation may also result in leaks or collapse.

2. Summer Storms & Hurricane Exposure: Maryland’s climate includes summer thunderstorms, tornadoes, and even the Atlantic hurricanes. Wind damage, hail, flooding, and electrical surges can create sudden catastrophic losses in August or September.

3. Fall Transition & Fire Hazards: Property owners must watch for gutter blockages, dryer lint buildup, and early heating mishaps, increasing fire risk. The move from warm days to cool nights also introduces expansion and contraction of building materials.

4. Winter Freeze & Infrastructure Failures: Winter brings snow, ice, frozen pipes, and heating system breakdowns. Frozen plumbing can burst, insulation failures become evident, and the cost to repair these damages can be substantial. Business interruption often occurs when operations must halt for repair.

So, how does commercial property insurance mitigate these risks? Here are several ways: 

1. Physical asset protection: A commercial property policy helps cover physical damage to your buildings, equipment, inventory, signage, and fixtures from weather, fire, theft, vandalism, and more. One major winter pipe burst or hurricane surge can be costly. 
2. Business interruption coverage: If your property is damaged and operations must pause, interruption coverage can reimburse lost income, rent or loan payments, taxes, and employee payroll during the shutdown. This is especially needed during seasonal disruptions when operations may already be slower.
3. Customizable coverage options: Maryland business owners should consider endorsements or “add-ons” tailored to seasonal risk, such as windstorm, flood in coastal zones, snow/ice damage, boiler breakdown, or equipment breakdown insurance. 
4. Comply with all regulations: Business owners in Maryland must make their policies comply. Your insurance agent will work with you to make sure you comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. *** 

Annapolis and Frederick are located in risk zones. The coastal area around Annapolis exposes businesses to tidal flooding and hurricanes; Frederick County has more inland issues like heavy snow, pipes freezing, and storms. Business owners face different exposures depending on locale—and need a local expert who understands both.

For example:

• A seafood restaurant in downtown Annapolis may need flood endorsement, windstorm protection, and business interruption due to storm closures.
• A manufacturing facility in Frederick may face equipment breakdown risk in cold months, snow roof collapse, or slip-and-fall exposures in freezing conditions.

There are some best practices for business owners: 

1. Annual policy review: As your business grows and seasons change, do an insurance review each fall. Make sure that coverage limits remain adequate, and that endorsements reflect seasonal threats (e.g., snow roof collapse, flood, wind).
2. Document your inventory and assets: Maintain accurate records of your property, equipment, and inventory. Use photos and video to document the condition before high-risk seasons. This helps expedite claims if damage occurs.
3. Prevention pays: Before winter or storm season arrives, practice preventative maintenance: clear gutters, inspect roofs, test emergency systems, and ensure proper insulation. Insurers often view proactive risk management favorably.
4. Know your deductible and policy terms: Review your deductible structure. Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase your exposure. Ensure you understand policy terms like “all risk” vs. “named peril.”
5. Choose an experienced local insurance company: Work with an insurance agent who understands Maryland’s geography and your distinct local exposures. Local agents will know what is needed so your policy reflects real seasonal risk.

The commercial property insurance, that you can get from Lindquist Insurance, can safeguard against seasonal threats: 

1. Snow/ice damage: Your building’s roof collapses under heavy snow. This is treated as a covered peril under most policies where snow/ice damage is included.
2. Wind & hurricane damage: An August storm damages your roof and wrecks your equipment. A commercial property policy with windstorm coverage will protect your investment. 
3. Flood/coastal surge: A rising tide or storm surge floods your Annapolis property; if you have a flood endorsement, the policy pays.
4. Business interruption: After a fire or storm, you’re forced to shut down for days or weeks. Interruption coverage reimburses your lost income so you can continue paying employees and bills.
5. Theft & vandalism during quiet seasons: A winter shutdown invites break-ins; commercial property coverage protects inventory and equipment.

Call us today for a free review of your commercial property insurance needs and get ahead of seasonal risks with confidence. Let’s protect your business so you can keep your focus on growth, stability, and community service.

We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

*** For more information, visit the Cornell Law School website.