Category: Business Interruption Insurance

What would make me eligible for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

If you are thinking about making a business interruption insurance claim, it is most likely because your insurer has refused you a pay-out on the grounds of Covid-19 and the current pandemic. As all business owners know the last year has been extremely rough for companies across the UK. The lockdown has meant that customers have not been able to visit stores and in most cases, the stores themselves have been shut down to protect them. The pandemic was a disaster that could never have been predicted. That’s why the Supreme Court has decided to allow business insurance claims to go through that are about Covid-19 and the lockdown.

If you have been affected by the pandemic, and have taken out business interruption insurance, there is a chance that you could be owed compensation for your losses. You may be asking yourself whether or not you are eligible to make that type of claim. This is where Gowing Law’s expert solicitors can step in to help you. Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

Business Interruption Insurance Claim

What is a business interruption insurance claim?

When you open up a business, you may have a physical shop where customers can visit you and buy your products. You may also have decided to hire employees in order to help you handle daily activities. The first thing you want to consider when you open a company is how you are going to protect it. You cannot control everything that happens inside your store. That’s why you may want to take out business interruption insurance in order to protect it from:

  • Criminal activity
  • Fires
  • Flooding
  • Storms
  • Natural disasters
  • Essential equipment breakdowns
  • Property destruction

All of the things listed above affect how your business makes a profit. For instance, if you cannot open your business then you may not be able to sustain it by earning money from your customers. Even if you have an online store, you still have bills to pay and employees that require a wage. That’s why if you do experience any of these “interruptions” for your own business, you can use your business interruption insurance to pay for the damages and any financial obligations you may have. If you are still feeling confused, take a look at the case study gif below to understand your eligibility:

Case Study: Liam’s Bakery

Business Interruption Insurance Claim GIF

Unfortunately, for those affected by Covid-19, previously, insurance firms refused to accept these types of claims. However, for general damages, if the damages are written into the clauses of your contract then you should be able to get a pay-out from your insurer. You can personalize your contract in order to protect you against more specific type of damages. After all, everyone’s career is different. If you work in an antique shop then you may need insurance for expensive products or your shop front, however if you work on a construction site then you may need to focus on insuring the equipment. Keep this in mind when you go to take out business interruption insurance.

Business Interruption Insurance Claims categories

Why couldn’t I make a business interruption insurance claim for Covid-19 damages?

Originally, when businesses began to ask insurers for help with Covid-19 related damages, the insurers’ first reaction was to decline the request. This was due to the fact that Covid-19, the pandemic and the lockdown in general were not listed in the clauses of the contract. However, this may now have changed due to the recent decision by the UK’s supreme court.

The Supreme Court has decided that insurers should accept any claims that are in relation to Covid-19 and the current pandemic. However, the claimant does still need to have specific clauses in order to be eligible for compensation. Don’t worry, if you’re feeling concerned that you may not fall into the eligible bracket, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you. Our legal team are specialists when it comes to making a business interruption insurance claims. They can keep you on the right track. That way we can ensure you full understand the type of compensation claim you are making. That way you can decide for yourself whether or not you think it is worth it.

Business Interruption Insurance Claim during a pandemic

How could I be eligible for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

When you make a business interruption insurance claim, you are holding your insurers responsible for helping you in your time of need. Your contract stated that you would be protected in the event of a disaster outside of your control. That’s why it’s important that they uphold their end of contract and provide you with a pay-out.

Now, the supreme court has stated that there has to be at least one of three categories that your insurance contract falls into. In other words, they need to have one of the three following clauses. These clauses are:

Different types of clauses for this claim

As you can see, there is a chance that the clauses you have in your contract are going to be interchangeable. For instance, if you have both a disease and prevention of access clause in your insurance contract, you may be able to claim for both of those “damages.” You should be protected against these types of problems. Just keep in mind that if you have a hybrid clause then you may need to point out where exactly the protection is against diseases and lack of access to your facility. Your solicitor can help you do this if you are feeling concerned that you are not eligible for a pay-out. They can do all of the hard work and ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve.

Insurance Contract help

Can I make a claim even if I received a Covid-19 grant from the government?

Yes, you can! Honestly, this is a very weird time for everyone. The UK government’s grants are there to help you immediately. This is to help you if you are struggling and are on the point of collapse. They are still in place even now to help people get a pay-out to sustain their business. One of the things the government will know is that business owners will be trying to make a Business Interruption Insurance Claim. This is in order to get a pay-out from their policies. That means you can still make a claim with the help of our law firm. That way you can get the compensation that you deserve.

Gowing Law Solicitors is ready to help you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud that we are able to provide our clients’ support. That way our clients can get the compensation that they deserve. You need to be able to sustain your business during these difficult times. That’s why your insurer should be supporting you and paying you for your losses. Our solicitors can speak to your insurer on your behalf and can fill out any tricky paperwork. They can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, you can work with our solicitors on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never need to pay any hidden fees.

Contact our law firm today by phoning 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then answer all of your questions.

Learn more about making a Business Interruption Insurance Claim

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Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about making a business interruption insurance claim, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog. We update it every week with brand new content. These are about different legal claims, information about our law firm, seasonal events and the occasional competition or giveaway. If you want us to cover a certain topic, feel free to send it in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also search our social media for more updates or information about what we have been up to. Click on the buttons below to visit our Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Business Interruption Coverage: Am I right to make a claim during the pandemic?

If you have business interruption coverage, it’s likely that you have bought it in order to protect your business. The pandemic has caused many stores to shut in order to protect both employees and clients alike. As a business owner yourself, it is very likely that you have been through financial hardships due to the pandemic. No one wanted to close their shops but it was the best thing to do in the time. Unfortunately, many people have been suffering from this pandemic and are on the verge of their businesses collapsing. That’s why the Supreme Court has taken the decision that insurers need to start paying out for damages caused by Covid-19.

You shouldn’t feel guilty about claiming for your Business Interruption cover. Instead, if your insurer refuses to pay-out despite your evidence, you could work on a Business Interruption Claim with a solicitor from Gowing Law. Find out more by calling us on 0800 041 8350 or click on the button below to visit our website:

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What is Business Interruption Coverage for?

Let’s take a moment to talk about what business interruption coverage is in general. When you open a business, you want to make sure that you can protect from any type of disaster out of your control. This is why you need business interruption coverage. Unlike, employer’s liability insurance, it is not a legal requirement to have business interruption coverage. However, if you want to make sure you are covered in the face of any disaster, you should pay for this type of coverage. You can use it to protect yourself from:

  • Criminal activity
  • Flooding
  • Fires
  • Storms
  • The breakdown of equipment
  • Customer damages

You can also use your coverage to make improvements to your work building if customers cannot get into it. There may even be additional coverage to protect your business if it is online and is at risk of viruses or being hacked. It all depends on your business and the type of things that you need to protect in order to keep things flowing. Most people during the pandemic have gone to their insurer to get a pay-out from this coverage. However, as Covid-19/a pandemic may not have been listed in the contract itself, it is likely that the pay-out would have been refused. This is devastating news if you are on the verge of financial bankruptcy. However, the Supreme Court have made some changes to this so there is some hope for your policy to provide you with compensation for your losses during the pandemic.

Supreme Court Image

How do you know if you can make a Business Interruption Claim?

Well, if you already have business interruption coverage, and it contains one of the aforementioned clauses, you should be able to get compensation for your losses. You may feel morally confused about whether or not you should make a claim, especially if you have already received a grant from the government about your business. But honestly, we would say that you should proceed with the claim. The UK government are aware that there are going to be claims made like these during the pandemic. They are encouraging businesses to reach out for help. That way they can survive and then rebuild once the pandemic has eased.

With that said, you may want to know how exactly you can build a claim to prove that you are eligible for a pay-out. The first thing you need to do is have a look through your contract to learn what type of clauses you actually have. You could be eligible for a business interruption claim pay-out if you have any of the following clauses:

Different Types of Business Interruption Coverage Clauses

Keep in mind that it is possible that you could have a hybrid clause where the policies are mixed together. If you feel concerned about whether or not a clause could make you eligible in your business interruption coverage, get in contact with your solicitor as quickly as possible. They can let you know exactly whether or not you could get a pay-out and how long it will take.

What can you claim for from business interruption coverage

How much could I receive for making a claim about my business interruption coverage?

Now, this is when things get a little tricky. Just like any other type of personal injury claim, the amount that you receive for compensation depends entirely on the extent of your injuries. In this case, the “injuries” would be the damages to your business and whether or not your insurer could be guilty of negligence. For instance, if you proved you had the clause, but your insurer still refused to pay-out, there is a chance that you could be owed a higher amount of compensation. It will also depend on the amount of protection your property has and the level of your damages. Find out from your solicitor more information about what you could be owed. You will never need to pay your solicitor for inquiring about making a claim. Instead, you will only need to pay a fee if they win your case!

Learn more about making a Business Interruption Insurance Claim

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If you have business interruption insurance coverage, and you have been rejected again for a pay-out despite your clauses, you could be owed compensation. Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get what you deserve. We can offer free consultations and advice to get you started. If you are happy to move forward, our lawyers can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never have

to pay any hidden fees.

Speak to one of our experienced solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then get in touch to talk you through your claim.

Read more about Business Interruption Insurance Coverage and Claims

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Don’t forget that we update our law blog every week with brand new content about legal claims, seasonal events and information about our law firm. You can also catch the occasional competition and giveaway. If you want to suggest a topic for our blog, feel free to send it in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your claim.

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Business Interruption Insurance: What should I do if I was rejected?

You may have taken out of business interruption insurance in order to protect your company, assets and employees. This type of insurance is the perfect way to prepare for the future and any troubles that might head your way. However, no one could have predicted the impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown. Businesses around the UK have had to close in order to protect their customers and employees against the virus. Unfortunately, this has had devastating consequences on the UK’s economy and on small businesses in general. Although the lockdown is slowly starting to ease, it is very likely that a large majority of the closed businesses will not re-open due to their finances. They may have tried to take out an insurance claim but were rejected. That’s where Gowing Law’s solicitors can step in to help.

Even if you have been rejected in the past, a new decision from the supreme court could mean that you could now have a successful claim on your hands. That’s why we would highly recommend that you contact our law firm to get started on your claim. Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our claims page below:

Business Interruption Insurance Claim

What is a Business Interruption Insurance claim?

Business interruption insurance is taken out by large and small companies to protect their assets from any future problems. This can include criminal activity and damages to your property from natural disasters. For instance, your shop could be damaged due to fire or flooding. Therefore, you may need to take out your insurance pay-out to fix the damages from these natural events. If a “disaster” is outside of your control, and it affects your business, you could use your compensation to fix what has been broken.

For many business owners, they have tried to take out their business interruption insurance in order to try and sustain their livelihood during the lockdown. Unfortunately, they were rejected on the basis that Covid-19 did not fall under a “disaster” that required an insurance pay-out. Naturally, this has left many people around the UK struggling to keep afloat during this difficult time. That’s why the Supreme Court has recently made a decision that businesses can now claim for compensation if they have taken out business interruption insurance. They just need to have one of the three clauses in their contract:

Different clauses for Business Interruption Insurance Claims

If your contract has any of these clauses, you could claim compensation from your insurer. This is where Gowing Law’s expert solicitors can step in to help you. We are ready to make sure that you get the pay-out that you deserve to sustain your business and your employees’ livelihoods.

Reasons pay-out business interruption insurance

What can I use my pay-out for if I make a business interruption insurance claim?

Should you decide to make a business interruption insurance claim, you will be able to use the pay-out to sustain your business. Even if you have already received a grant from the government (in the form of business aid), you will still be able to claim a pay-out. Take a look at the infographic below to get a better idea of what you could use your business interruption insurance claim for:

Business Interruption Insurance Claims

Of course, there may be other things you need to spend your money on in order to sustain your business. For instance, when you closed during the lockdown, your shop may have been vandalized. So, now that it is re-opening during the ease of lockdown, you may have to spend time getting the exterior of your shop fixed. You can use your pay-out to fix any damages that could cause a work accident or harm to your employees. Speak to your solicitor for more details about how you could use your compensation to sustain your livelihood.

Will I be able to make a claim if I have already been rejected?

Yes you will! Even if you have already been rejected for a pay-out, it is likely you will now be successful in your claim. Not only will the government be aware of your situation, now that the Supreme Court have decided to change your insurance policy, it is likely that you will get a pay-out. It can be difficult to feel like you can go back to your insurer for help. But this is where an experienced lawyer can help you. Your solicitor can handle all of the paperwork and can speak to your insurer on your behalf. That way you can feel more in control of your future. You can also feel as if your compensation claim will be in safe hands.

Compensation from your pay-out

How long will it take to make a business interruption insurance claim?

It should take one business day in order to assess whether or not you could have a successful claim. From there, the timeline of your claim will depend on its complexity. The more complex your claim is, the longer it will take. Speak to your solicitor to start scheduling how your claim is going to be handled. That way you can feel comfortable and confident that you will get your claim as quickly as possible. Be patient with your solicitor and make sure to keep in contact. That way you can always know what stage your claim is at.

Start your business interruption insurance claim today!

Business Interruption Insurance Claim

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are proud about the fact that our law firm can help people all over the UK with their claims. We want to make sure to do our part to help clients in need. If you have a claim that you need legal advice over, get in touch with our law firm. We can offer free consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can provide our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never need to pay any hidden fees. You will only need to pay your solicitor if we win your case.

Contact us today to get started with your claim. Call us on 0800 041 8350, email us on info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claim’s checker!

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If you want to learn more about business interruption insurance claims, all you need to do is visit our blog. We update it every week with brand new content about legal claims, seasonal events and information about our law firm. You can suggest topics to us by sending them into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. If you want to take part in our occasional competitions and giveaways, you can visit our social media pages for more information.

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How can a solicitor help you with a Business Interruption Insurance claim?

Business Interruption Insurance claims are here to support you and your business when you need it the most. We understand that 2020 was an extremely difficult year for business people all over the UK. Covid-19 has thrown the world on its head. Within four months of its arrival, businesses all over the UK were asked to close in a nationwide lockdown. Since then there have been a number of schemes put out to support business owners, however, many people have been struggling to get a valid pay-out from their insurers. This is because Covid-19 and the unprecedented lockdown were most likely not included within your policies.

We understand if you feel a little unsure about what to do if you have already tried to claim business interruption insurance only to be rejected. This is where Gowing Law’s experienced solicitors can step in to support you. We have corporate solicitors and forensic accountants available to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. If they see that you have a valid claim for compensation, they will make sure you get the pay-out you deserve. In some cases, you could be owed £10,000s!

With over 700 policies now eligible to get you a pay-out, you could be missing out if you do not make a claim. Call us up today on 0800 041 8350 or visit our Business interruption insurance claim page below.

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Can I make a business interruption insurance claim about Covid-19?

If you have recently opened a business, you will want to keep that business as safe as possible. You cannot predict every disaster that will happen in your shop. For instance, if a work accident occurs or one of your customers gets hurt, you can use your employer’s liability insurance. However, if a bigger disaster happens then you will need the right insurance to recover from the damages. This is where business interruption insurance can help you recover any losses that you have experienced. It is especially useful for those who have lots of stock that may need to be replaced in the event of a disaster.

Here are some examples of what your business interruption insurance can be used for. Don’t forget that you can also ask your solicitor for more information on what you can use your claim to finance.

Business Interruption Insurance Cover

Now, originally, you may have had trouble actually receiving a pay-out because of the pandemic. It is true that you had to shut down your business for the lockdown and the pandemic, but these clauses may not actually be written into your contract. This is where your insurer may have originally tried to stop you from receiving your pay-out. However, the Supreme Court has now stated (through a test case) that a business interruption insurance claim can have clauses that include pay-outs for losses experienced during the pandemic. You just need to understand which clauses will validate your claim.

Business Interruption Insurance Claim rejection advice

Which clauses will make me eligible for a business interruption insurance claim?

Every contract for business interruption insurance is going to be different. After all, every business is different. That means you are going to be focused on certain problems that could affect your business and your employees. You want to keep them safe. If they are off work then this could affect how much your business earns and the overall income of the company. For instance, if you have a lot of expensive products that belong in a warehouse, you may want to focus mainly on criminal activity and pay-outs about stolen stock. However, if you want to claim for any damages caused by the lockdown and Covid-19, there are three clauses in specific that are going to help you. These include the:

Different types of insurance clauses

According to a report from the FCA about these clauses (and the outcome of the FCA trial case), it is possible that:

“The ‘disease’ and ‘prevention of access’ clauses in the representative sample of 21 policy types provide cover in the circumstances of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and that the trigger for cover caused policyholders’ losses.”

This shows that if you have either of these clauses, or at least a hybrid clause of the two together, you could get a pay-out. However, it does not mean that you get an automatic win. You will need to provide evidence to show how your business was affected by the current climate and lockdown of the UK.

Evidence may include:

  • Marketing Forecasts/Reports
  • Proof of your income
  • Proof of your expenses
  • Reports from workers/employees
  • News & Trend updates

Having a solicitor on your side can help you distinguish what you could eligible to claim in terms of a pay-out. It will also help you avoid any pitfalls in terms of a lack of evidence. If you are unsure about how you can make a claim, or if you are eligible for a pay-out, a lawyer can provide you with the best advice possible on how to move forward.

Help within the pandemic

How can a solicitor help me with my business interruption insurance claim?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you may be feeling anxious or unsure about how to proceed with your claim. Getting to grips with any sort of insurance contract can be difficult, and with the current stress of the pandemic, you may be struggling to find the time to balance your business as well as an insurance claim. You can use a broker or your insurer to learn more about your eligibility for this type of claim, but we would honestly recommend seeking the advice of an experienced solicitor.

Your business interruption insurance claim solicitor can go through your policy carefully to check for your eligibility and the type of policy you have. As the Supreme Court’s decision is still quite new, you may feel unsure about what it means as a whole and what the new policies are all about. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a legal specialist do this for you. Gowing Law’s solicitors keep updated about the latest information about these types of claims, and how any changes could affect your case.

We can also help you challenge your insurer on your behalf. You may feel defeated if you have already tried to make a claim, only to have your insurer reject you. This is where we can step in to speak to your insurer about their decision. Your solicitor can spend time going through your claim to make an argument that will validate your claim. We can even go to court to get your settlement negotiated quickly and efficiently.

Range of sectors for businesses

Can a solicitor help me with my claim if I get assistance from the government?

Throughout the pandemic, you may have been seeking assistance from the government in order to sustain your business. It is completely understandable if you have decided to move online and ask your employees to remain on furlough throughout the pandemic. Even if your business remained open, but you needed to implement strict social-distancing regulations to keep it safe, you could make a claim with the help of an experienced solicitor.

Having a Corona Virus grant from the UK government will not change the fact that you need the financial aid to sustain your business. The government will be completely aware that you are trying to make a case against your insurer. So, don’t worry! Your solicitor will make sure to work on your behalf to ensure you get the pay-out that you deserve. They can even contact your insurer on your behalf if they have already rejected you for a pay-out.

Will a solicitor charge me if they help with my business interruption insurance claim?

As Gowing Law’s team work on a “no win-no fee” basis, that means they will never charge you for their services unless they win you your pay-out. There will be no hidden fees and they will always talk about any charges upfront. That means you will always come out on top. If our solicitors do help you collect a successful pay-out, the fees that they will ask for will be 25% + VAT of any money that you receive from your insurer.

How much could I get from my pay-out?

Honestly, this is a question that cannot be answered. This is because every claim’s case is different and the circumstances will affect your overall pay-out. For instance, if you have experienced damages from Covid-19 and the lockdown, as well as a break-in that has affected the amount of stock you have, you could claim for more compensation than someone who needs the money to Covid-proof their office. It will also depend on the type of clauses that are in your contract. This is why it is essential to have an experienced lawyer go through your contract to ensure that you have the correct clauses that can get you a high pay-out.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Again, this depends on the type of case you have and how complicated it is. If you have been rejected for a claim, and are seeking legal guidance, it may take longer than someone who has made their very first claim. You need to be entirely upfront with your solicitor about any problems that may affect your claim. In return, your lawyer will do the same and set out a timeline of how the claim is expected to proceed. However, there may be additional delays due to the current pandemic. Be patient with your lawyer, but feel free to ask any questions!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to help with your business interruption insurance claim

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We understand that it can be daunting to take on any sort of legal claim. Covid-19 has changed the world and it is going to be difficult to adjust to this new normality. That’s why Gowing Law Solicitors wants to make sure that you get a pay-out that can help you sustain your business for as long as possible. We can offer you free advice and consultations on your claims. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. As we stated before, this means you will never need to pay a fee to our solicitors unless we win your case for you. So, what’s stopping you from getting in contact with us today?

Reach out to our law firm and call us on 0800 041 8350, email bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker to get started. One of our specialists will quickly get in contact to speak to you. All you need to do is fill out your contact details and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Ready to read more about your claim?

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Why not brush up on your knowledge of business interruption insurance claims by visiting our blog page? We always update our blog with the latest information about insurance, tax and personal injury claims. That way you can understand the basics before you start working with your solicitor. You can also find information about our seasonal events and updates about our law firm. If you have a question that you would like us to address through our blog, why not send in your suggestion to info@gowinglaw.co.uk? If we write about your idea, we will let you know so you can find out what our experts have to say on the issue!

You should also keep an eye on our social media feed. Not only do we have weekly videos about specific claims information, but we update our feed with information about our latest giveaways and seasonal events. For instance, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where all you need to do is leave a review, like and tag someone in our social posts. You could win a £30 M&S pamper gift bag! You can find the links below to follow our Twitter and our Facebook.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

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Business Interruption Insurance: Why was I previously rejected for a pay-out?

If you are reaching towards your business interruption insurance, it is likely because your company has been experiencing hardships during the pandemic. Covid-19 has changed the world completely. In a single year, the unemployment rate has risen to 5% in the UK. That is because the pandemic has forced many businesses to close their doors. Many companies have resorted to continuing online. However, as they are unable to remain open to the general public, they have experienced great financial damages.

The pandemic may have caused great losses within your business that were not your fault. That’s why you tried to make a business interruption insurance claim. If you were rejected, don’t worry, you are not alone! Many business owners have been rejected for a pay-out due to the fact that their policies do not cover for any sort of business losses caused by a pandemic. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced solicitor on your side to give you support and advice with your claim. Gowing Law’s experienced claim solicitors are here to help.

Call us today on 0800 041 8350 or click the link below to begin with your claim:

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What is Business Interruption Insurance?

When you create a business, you go into it knowing that there is a chance that things could go wrong. You get employer liability insurance to protect yourself, employees who suffer from work accidents and any customers who get hurt on your premises. However, there is a chance that you could experience more extreme incidents in the future that could force you to make a loss. This includes criminal activities and natural disasters (such as flooding and fires). If you are the type of business that owns a lot of stock you may have invested in this insurance in order to have financial support if the stock needs to be replaced if it is damaged.

Overall, if you have purchased business interruption insurance, the main aim of it is to put you back in a steady financial position that you would have been in before an unexpected event caused losses. That’s why a lot of companies have now been asking if their policies actually cover Covid-19 and any losses that have come about due to the lockdown and the pandemic.

Covid-19 Update about business interruption insurance

Why would I be rejected for a Business Interruption Insurance Claim?

Previously, you may have struggled to actually get your insurer’s pay-out due to the fact that they did not believe that your policy covered you for damages within the pandemic. That’s why you may have originally been rejected for a claim. Business interruption insurance contracts cover different things, depending on the type of business that pays for them. However, if you had cover for diseases, you may have struggled to receive a pay-out because Covid-19 was only classified as a notifiable disease on the 5th March 2020. Some companies will only cover very specific diseases, which should be listed in the contracts. Therefore, the wording of your policy becomes important when it comes to getting compensation. A claims solicitor can help scrutinize your contract to see if you could be eligible for a pay-out.

With the supreme court deciding in favour of Covid-19 related pay-outs, it’s important that you take a look at your contract to ensure they fall under the right clauses. Here are the three clauses you will need to be eligible for an insurance pay-out:

business interruption claim insurance

As the courts have decided that Covid-19 interruption to businesses could call for an insurance pay-out, these clauses will become an essential part of getting the compensation that you deserve. Before, you may have been rejected because Covid-19 was not classified as a notifiable disease. You may have also been rejected because during the tier system, you closed your business without it being an action enforced by the government (aka. it was a business choice of your own free will.) However, there is a chance now that your claim could be reconsidered if it has already been rejected. That’s why it’s important that you get in touch with a solicitor as quickly as possible about your business interruption insurance claim.

Covid-19 and Business Interruption Insurance Claims

Alternative Reasons for Rejection: Business Interruption Insurance

Building on the previous point, we would just like to reiterate that there could be other reasons why you were rejected for a pay-out outside of Covid-19 and the current pandemic. According to the FCA:

“The test case was not intended to encompass all possible disputes, but to resolve some key contractual uncertainties and ‘causation’ issues to provide clarity for policyholders and insurers.”

This implies that whilst this decision from the Supreme Court to include Covid-19 as a reason for a pay-out does not mean you will automatically receive it. There is still a chance that your own business decisions were the reasons behind your overall financial loss and business interruption. For instance, if your business deals with oil supply, you may find the costs of this product have risen over the course of this year, meaning that there is a chance you may struggle to keep up with payments. However, if you believe that you and your business were ultimately the victims of the pandemic, you have the right to make a legal claim. In some cases, you may even be able to make a co-ordinated legal action against your insurer in relation to non-payments.

non-retail companies

What should I do if I have been rejected for a business interruption insurance claim?

It can be incredibly disheartening to be rejected by your insurer in light of the current events. You have tried everything to keep your business afloat during the pandemic. That’s why you may feel as if you have been let down by your insurer and other people who are supposed to be there to help you in your time of need. We understand that it is a very sensitive time for you. That’s why we want to be there to support you throughout your claim.

If you have been rejected for a claim then you do have the right to make an appeal. When you made a business interruption insurance request, it may have been before Covid-19 and the lockdown were classified as genuine reasons for a pay-out. There may also be specific wording in your contract that needs a legal expert to read over in more detail.

Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you through this difficult time. Our forensic accountants and corporate solicitors can give you free advice and will be happy to look through your contract. If you have a business interruption clause then you will have a valid claims on your hands. Our lawyers can then start the arrangements to make a claim against your insurer to win you the pay-out that you deserve.

notable disease cover policy

How much could I receive from a pay-out from my business interruption insurance?

When you make a claim to receive business interruption insurance, the amount you receive as a pay-out will depend on your own personal circumstances. You will need to look at the contract you have agreed to and have a solid argument prepared as to why you need an insurance pay-out. Your contract will let you know what could constitute the need for compensation, including criminal activities against you, your employees or general business or natural disasters (such as flooding, fires and infestation). However, you will need to prove that you were not responsible for these “disasters”. Your evidence can include:

  • Proof of the amount of income you receive from your business (to prove you have lost income)
  • Your trade history
  • News, facts and figures about marketing trends
  • Business/Loss Assessors and Forecasts
  • Statements from employees and business partners

If you decide to work with a solicitor, they can work through your contract. That way they can provide you with estimates about how much you could be owed if you make a claim. Even if you are already receiving government assistance, you could still make a claim with the help of our experienced lawyers. Just keep in mind that there are a number of pitfalls that you could experience in relation to a pay-out. Here are a few examples that you should be aware of throughout your claim:

business interruption insurance claim

Your solicitor can help you avoid these pitfalls by going through your contract with a fine tooth comb. That way you can work with them to get a valid pay-out. You can use it to support your business and employees.

How long will it take to make a claim?

Although it will only take one day to assess whether or not you have a valid claim on your hands, it’s important that you understand that every claim is different. That means that some claims are going to take longer to sort out than others. For instance, a claim that has been previously rejected and has very generalized clauses is going to take longer than a claim that has a very direct disease clause. Be patient with your solicitor and give them the time to build their argument. The more time you allow them, the more likely it is that you are going to receive a pay-out from your insurer. Feel free to ask questions about the progression of your case. Your solicitor will always be willing to talk you through what you should expect in the upcoming weeks.

Gowing Law Solicitors can support you with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that this is a very sensitive time for a lot of our clients. The pandemic has thrown a lot of business owners on their heads and they need support. Even if you have already been rejected for a claim, we have experienced forensic accountants and corporate solicitors here to help you. They can give you no obligation advice and consultations to start with. That way they can look through your contract. Then they can ensure that all of the support they provide is tailored to your situation. If you are happy to work with them, they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead we will always be upfront with our costs to ensure you feel comfortable making your claim.

If you want to contact us, you can call us on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. From there, one of our lawyers will be in contact to discuss your claim. Feel free to direct any questions towards them!

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Don’t forget that you can read more about business interruption insurance from Gowing Law’s blog page. We are proud of all of our content as we update it weekly with new information about UK legal claims. This includes information about tax claims and personal injury claims. You can also learn about our latest seasonal giveaways, events and updates about our law firm. If there is topic you would like us to cover in our blog, feel free to let us know. You can send in your suggestions to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our law writers will let you know that they are going to write about your ideas. We will also let you know when the blog has been uploaded.

Make sure to also follow our social media pages for our latest videos and giveaways. Right now, we are hosting a Valentine’s Day giveaway where you could win a £30 pamper gift bag. All you have to do is leave a review of our firm, tag someone and share our post. We will then draw a winner randomly. It’s that simple to get involved, and we tend to host these competitions, alongside our normal content, quite regularly. You can find the links to our Twitter and Facebook below.

We wish you the best of luck with your claim and look forward to helping you soon!

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Covid-19 & Business Interruption Insurance: Have you heard the latest updates?

If you have bought business interruption insurance, you may have done so in order to protect your firm. You need to be prepared just in case you experience damages that interrupt your business as a whole. Normally, this would be in relation to flooding, criminal damage or gross loss of income due to unexpected events. Naturally, what you are insured for depends on the policy you have signed with your insurance provider. However, due to the current pandemic, a decision has been made by the supreme courts. It has been decided that insurers should pay companies that have been financially affected by the enforced lockdown. The entire pay-out depends on the insurance that has been taken out.

If you are one of these companies that has taken out business interruption insurance, you could be owed compensation from your insurer. Unfortunately, you may be having trouble claiming your insurance pay-out due to the fact that your insurer is simply refusing to pay-out. As the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of insurers providing damage pay-outs to those with the appropriate policy, you may need legal assistance to ensure you get a pay-out that can support you through this difficult time.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help support you through this difficult time and get the compensation that you deserve. Our solicitors are experts in the field and will be able to give you personalized advice to help with your claim. Call us on 0161 464 4444 to get started or learn more from our business interruption insurance claim’s page:

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What is Business Interruption Insurance?

If you have opened a business, it’s logical that you are going to want to claim as much protection for it as possible. You have raised your business from the ground upwards, therefore having a safety net in case of a disaster (such as fires, flooding and criminal activities) can give you peace of mind in the face of adversity. This is what business interruption insurance is all about.

The types of cover this insurance will provide depends on the writing in your contract. Every business is different and therefore requires different types of security. To locate what is covered in your own policy, make sure to take a look at the “basis of settlement” agreement. This will show you how much you should get as a pay-out if your business is forced to close or experienced losses outside of your control.

The amount you will receive will also depend on your turnover and the amount of you normally pay in work wages. This will then be used to figure out your overall profits. Therefore, it will provide a basic understanding of how much of an insurance pay-out you will need in order to keep your business afloat during difficult times.

business interruption insurance coverage

What will my business interruption insurance cover?

If you have taken out business interruption insurance, you have made the right decision. You are preparing for the worst and have most likely taken out third party insurance as well just in case an accident happens in the workplace. You should read your policy carefully before you sign anything, that way you can make sure that you pick the right contract that will fully support you throughout any disasters that occur in the future. Have a look at the infographic below to get an idea of what you could claim for:

business interruption insurance infographic

These are only a few examples of what you could receive if you decide to make an insurance claim. Make sure to analyse your contract and see what will happen if you experience a certain type of disaster and how you would be compensated for your losses. So, if you went through a burglary and lost some equipment due to thieves, the pay-out from your insurance would be to replace the equipment and any damage that was done to your property.

If you feel concerned that your policy does not concern the things that are important to you, make sure to speak to your insurer or lawyer. They can let you know about how you can include the policies that are important to you and your business.

business interruption insurance stock and claims

Business Interruption Insurance: What is the update about Covid-19 pay-outs?

Right now, if you own a business you may have had to close your doors unless you are providing an essential service. This is due to the pandemic and the UK lockdown. In order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, the government has issued a nationwide lockdown to protect its citizens. Unfortunately, this may have had an extremely negative affect on your business. After all, if you cannot open up your business for customers, how are you expected to generate money? This has had a knock-on effect for most businesses and employees in the UK. If a business cannot open, there is no work for an employee. Therefore, they cannot go to work and earn money. As you can see, the lockdown has very severe consequences for businesses around the country. This has got to the point where numerous businesses have actually ended up closing down as a result.

Now, as a last resort, many businesses have been trying to sustain themselves by reaching out to their insurer to claim for their business interruption insurance. After all, their businesses have been disrupted by a disease that was completely out of their control. In order to protect employees from a “work accident”, they have been told to shut down their doors.

Right now, the supreme court and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have announced that insurers. The policies for most insurance claims are written in language that is extremely unspecific about the actual things they cover. The main way to see if you are eligible is to see you are eligible for compensation is to have a “non damage” clause in your contract.

An example of these clauses could include:

clauses in a contract

If you fall into one of these clauses, it is likely that you could have a claim. The FCA have ruled in favor of businesses receiving support from their insurers. Therefore you have the chance to claim a pay-out that could support your business throughout the pandemic.

Why would my business interruption insurance claim be denied?

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that you want to make a claim because you want to support your business and your employees. 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. That’s why it’s important to get financial aid when you need it the most. It is not your fault that your business was interrupted. Now you have to bare the financial brunt of what has happened.

During the business interruption insurance test, conducted by the FCA, 21 case types proved that business owners with a policy deserved a pay-out. These policies detailed “disease” and “prevention of access” clauses would be able to claim for a pay-out to support their businesses. However, there is always the chance that your insurance firm may try to find a reason not to provide you with a pay-out. Here are some examples of some of the pitfalls that you could encounter:

Examples include

  • A lack of evidence does not prove you experienced a disaster in your business
  • There was a limit on your own indemnity period
  • There was a liability limit on how much your insurer will pay-out

One prime example of how your insurer may try to avoid paying you is through the lockdown itself. Although you were asked to shut your doors during the lockdown, when the country was in the tier system, you may have had the opportunity to re-open. If you chose to remain shut during this, then your insurer may use this as an excuse. They could say you made the choice on your own instead of being forced. This is why it is so useful to have a lawyer on your side to ensure that you get the pay-out that you deserve. They will go through your contract and make sure to help you with any specific information that you affect your claims case.

struggling with Covid-19 insurance claims

Will I immediately be awarded a pay-out if my business has suffered from the lockdown?

Unfortunately, just because you have experienced losses because of the pandemic does not mean that you are automatically entitled to a compensation pay-out. Be aware that you will need to work with a solicitor. That way you can provide appropriate evidence. This evidence will show that the problems with your business have not come about by a fault of your own. It is estimated that around 370,000 people will be able to use their notifiable diseases cover in order to help get compensation. This will hopefully help keep this business afloat.

You will not be automatically entitled to a pay-out. However, you will be able to go through your contract. This is in order to make notes on how you could be eligible to receive a pay-out. How much you receive will depend entirely on your own circumstances, as well as how much income you make through your business. Do not exaggerate how much you could be owed. Instead, go through your paperwork carefully and note down everything you think is important. You solicitor can help you understand what you could be owed. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have!

Who should I use to make a claim?

If you are thinking of claiming for your business interruption insurance, you may be wondering if it would be wise to have an experienced specialist on your side. That way you can get the pay-out that you deserve quickly and efficiently. Now, most people would recommend that you speak with your insurer or you find a broker to give you advice. However, we would recommend that you speak with a lawyer. They understand that claims can be complicated. Therefore they are ready to go through your contract with a fine-tooth comb. That way you can get a valid pay-out. It may also be useful to speak with a forensic accountant or corporate solicitor.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your Business Interruption Insurance Claim!

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We understand that making any sort of insurance claim can be complicated. That’s why Gowing Law’s trained business interruption insurance claim solicitors are here to support you. It’s important that you get support throughout this difficult period. That way you can get a pay-out that can help you, your workers and your business. All of our lawyers are extremely experienced with insurance claims and can give you personalized advice. We can offer you no-obligation consultations to discuss your claim. If you are happy to move forward with our solicitors, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee basis”. That means you will always come out on top. You will never need to pay any hidden fees.

To get started with your claim, call us today on 0800 041 8350, email us at bi@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. A specialist will then be in contact to give you more information on how to move forward with your claim. Feel free to ask them any questions!

Learn more about Business Interruption Insurance on our blog!

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Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about business interruption insurance claims, you can visit our blog! We update our blog with the latest information about different types of claims, including tax claims and personal injury claims. Don’t forget to check in every week to learn what we have been up to. We also talk about our seasonal events, latest giveaways and updates about our law firm. If you have a topic that you would like us to address in our blog, feel free to let us know! You can email your ideas to us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We would highly recommend that you take a look at our social media channels below for new videos and updates. You may even spot one of our seasonal competitions that you can take part in. Click the links below to visit our Twitter and Facebook. That way you can find out the latest things that we have got up to!

Gowing Law Solicitors wishes you the best of luck with your claim. We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

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