There has been some confusion around whether businesses – particularly in the retail, hospitality, and leisure industries – will be able to claim on their insurance if closing due to the impact of COVID-19.
If your business insurance provides cover for both pandemics and government-ordered closures, then you should be protected. Both the government and insurance industry have confirmed on 17 March 2020 that the advice given to avoid pubs, restaurants, and theatres is a sufficient basis for making a claim.
You are, of course, strongly encouraged to check your insurance policy carefully and speak to your provider if you have any doubts. Unfortunately, it seems most businesses will not be covered, as standard business interruption insurance policies do not cover pandemics.
For further COVID-19 insurance resources, do take a look at these:
- Aston Lark, one of the top five independent Chartered Insurance Brokers in the country - click here.
- Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms - click here.