Preparing a Commercial Loss-of-Use Claim

Commercial loss of use often depends on proving both a reasonable downtime period and the economic value of unavailable vehicle use.

Key points to review

1. Keep daily dispatch, trip, revenue, and utilization records.
2. Document repair dates, parts delays, inspections, and communications.
3. Research the cost and availability of a reasonably comparable substitute vehicle.
4. Separate gross revenue from avoided operating expenses where appropriate.
5. Show reasonable mitigation efforts and explain why a substitute was or was not practical.

When to request professional help

Consider an independent appraisal or technical review when the value difference is meaningful, the report contains inaccurate vehicle information, the comparables are poorly matched, or the claim involves policy or jurisdictional requirements you do not understand.