Small businesses are often faced with difficult financial decisions when operating on tight margins. And several may have felt an unexpected sting at the hands of Hurricane Fabian because of choices made to preserve precious cash flows.

Glenn Titterton, the president and CEO of the Island's largest insurer BF&M, said while most businesses were well protected in terms of insurance on their premises and stocks, some did not plan for a possible loss of operational days as well.

"One of the things that is often missing is business interruption coverage," Mr. Titterton said of post-hurricane business insurance.

"A business that insured for stock, furniture, fixing and fittings, but not for business interruption, could be closed down by its water damages and might find they lose more through lost business than they would have for the costs of fixing up damages. The delay process (to get the business operating normally again) can be a very long and costly."

But business interruption coverage was frequently skipped by small businesses working under financial constraints, he added.

Generally a professional accountant working with a business will recommend that this coverage be included in order that a business's insurance package is as comprehensive as possible, but their advice can be disregarded.

While, the financial decision to opt out may seem to make sense at the time, in cases like this hurricane it can work against the business.

"Many businesses are working on very small margins," Mr. Titterton said. "So, they may make conscious decisions to save money. But, if you think in hurricane terms, it costs money in the long-term."