How badly was your business hit by the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting Government (lockdown) measures?
We suppose the correct question ought to be, “What have you done to address the impact on your business?” Many sought to claim under their business interruption insurance policy, only to have their claim rejected as a pandemic was not specifically covered or their policy was simply inadequate in its wording.
It has been over two years (15 January 2021) since the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the policy holders in a test case. Since then, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, almost 38,000 policy holders have received an interim payment, at least, totalling some £1.4 billion.
Naturally any claim will turn on the wording within your policy and information suggests there are cases still finding court intervention is required and, no doubt, insurers will continue to seek avenues for denying liability albeit, in a recently reported case, the court ruled again in favour of the policy holder.
At PBC we have successfully claimed a business interruption pay out in an insolvent liquidation. In another case, having followed our advice to appeal against the initial rejection a company’s fortunes were turned around from insolvency (with the resulting closure) to one of being solvent, while also allowing the shareholders to sell the business as a going concern.
In short, where your insurance policy includes business interruption, revisit the policy and, where in doubt, seek independent advice as you may find you are eligible to recover some of those losses suffered.
If you require any advice or assistance on any insolvency-related issue, then please contact PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency to discuss and advise on your situation on 01604 212150 (Northampton 01908 488653 (Milton Keynes) or email to enquiries@pbcbusinessrecovery.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.pbcbusinessrecovery.co.uk for further information.