Swift action helps keep a golf club trading after fire

When a fire broke out at a golf club, our Commercial Lines Property Claims team acted quickly to support the business and keep disruption to a minimum.

The fire was the result of an unusual accident: a wall-mounted drill fell onto a heat gun on the workbench below, switching it on and igniting nearby materials. The blaze caused significant damage to the golf shop and spread to part of the adjoining clubhouse roof.

Philip Sheridan, one of our in-house Loss Adjusters, took ownership of the claim, which included stock losses, contents damage, structural repairs and business interruption. Philip responded immediately, making sure we could support the customer and their business from the outset.

“Following receipt of the new loss, I immediately contacted the customer to discuss the circumstances of the loss and to establish the full extent of the damage. The customer was understandably upset with the incident, and it was crucial we gave this urgent attention.” Philip Sheridan, Major and Complex Loss Adjuster.

Within 48 hours, he and a team of forensic specialists were on site to confirm the cause of the fire and outline a clear recovery plan. A key priority was maintaining the club’s ability to trade - essential for cashflow and customer loyalty in a competitive local market.

Working closely with the building insurers and their loss adjusters, Philip helped accelerate the buildings reinstatement programme, arranging a temporary portacabin next to the clubhouse, so the shop could partially reopen within two weeks. This rapid solution meant the club could continue serving members and visitors whilst repairs were underway, maintaining a level of business continuity for their customers, and minimising potential costs from business interruption.

Philip continued supporting the customer throughout the claim, coordinating stock replacement, facilitating timely payments and maintaining consistent, transparent communication. Through close collaboration with all parties, reinstatement works were delivered efficiently and fully complete within nine months.

Thanks to Philip’s proactive approach and technical expertise, we delivered a smooth claims journey, effective cost management and supported business continuity for our customer. The golf shop has now fully reopened, business interruption was minimised with the final settlement significantly less than anticipated, and the relationship with the customer stronger than ever.
 

If you’d like to learn more about how we can be unstoppable together in supporting commercial property claims, please get in touch with your usual Aviva contact. 

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