Covid19 – Insurance Update
17 August 2020
At the start of the lockdown, commercial insurers took a very flexible position on business premises being temporarily closed due to Covid19. The vast majority of insurers did not apply the restrictions in their policies for unoccupied properties. With a UK-wide lockdown no longer in place any buildings that remain closed will now be treated in line with the insurer’s normal approach to unoccupied buildings in line with your policy.
Extended Closure
We are aware that some businesses have chosen not to reopen their premises for a variety of reasons. If your property remains unoccupied it is essential that you inform us so that we can notify your insurer. We will then ensure you are aware of your insurer’s position and the precautions required.
There will be a number of circumstances where concessions will be considered, but unlike during the UK-wide lockdown period these must be individually agreed with the insurer, based on the information you provide.
Local Area Lockdowns
In cases of local lockdown, where businesses must close as a consequence of the requirement to control a localised spike in coronavirus infections, you will need to inform us so that we can advise you of your insurer’s position, based on the information you provide.
Reduced Trading or Changes to Trading Activity
Some businesses have changed their activities post Covid19. If your business is operating on a reduced number of working days or other significant changes to your previous trading activities have occurred, we should discuss the changes related to your insurance policies and inform insurers as appropriate, please contact us if this applies.
Commercial Tenants
If you have commercial tenants to which the above relates, please contact us with details.
We’re here to help…
If any of the above applies to you please contact us, where buildings are unoccupied we will need the following:
- If the premises will be opened periodically for goods collection/delivery or other work
- Any problems with the usual physical security measures and alarm systems
- Any problems with removal of trade waste from inside or outside of the premises
We are providing support to clients as usual, although currently we are not always able to do this face to face and some insurer timescales are slightly longer. Please do not hesitate to contact us, as always we are here to help.
On behalf of all at Wilsons take care and stay safe.