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COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

clothing shop insurance

UPDATED 1 October 2021

Please note normal policy terms now apply, if you have not returned to normal business activities or these have changed you should contact us immediately.

UPDATED 1 June 2021

With lockdown restrictions coming to an end the full policy terms and conditions will now apply,  however should this change and you find your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions you should follow either of the following steps:

  • If your policy number prefix is “AI” the below extension will apply, please take note of the conditions set out within the extension.
  • If your policy number prefix is anything else you should contact us immediately for referral to your insurers.

The changes  set out below and are implemented starting 1st June 2021 and will apply until 30st September 2021 if your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.  After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

If your business is forced to close due to lock down restrictions, insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, strictly subject to the following:

  • You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
  • You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
  • Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
  • Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately
  • The heating system is to be left on and set to no less than 10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or, the water system (including water tanks) are fully drained down and all stopcock valves are closed and the water system is checked as part of the 7 day inspection requirements.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.  As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.  When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the Government Website.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.  Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 22 March 2021

We are pleased to confirm that after continuous discussions with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 22nd March 2021 and will apply until 31st May 2021 if your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.  After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

If your business is forced to close due to lock down restrictions, insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, strictly subject to the following:

  • You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
  • You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
  • Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
  • Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately
  • The heating system is to be left on and set to no less than 10 degrees Celsius / 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or, the water system (including water tanks) are fully drained down and all stopcock valves are closed and the water system is checked as part of the 7 day inspection requirements.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.  As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.  When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the Government Website.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.  Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 21 December 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after continuous discussions with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 21st December 2020 and will apply until 31st March 2021 if your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.  After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

If your business is forced to close due to lock down restrictions, insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, strictly subject to the following:

  • You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
  • You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
  • Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
  • Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately
  • The heating system is to be left on and set to no less than 14 degrees Celsius / 52 degrees Fahrenheit, or, the water system (including water tanks) are fully drained down and all stopcock valves are closed and the water system is checked as part of the 7 day inspection requirements.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.  As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.  When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the Government Website.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.  Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 20 August 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after continuous discussions with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 20th August and will apply until 31st December 2020 if your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.  After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

If your business is forced to close due to lock down restrictions, insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, subject to visiting the premises at least every 7 days.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.  As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.  When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the Government Website.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.  Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 17 July 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after continuous discussions with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 17th July and will apply until 31st August 2020 if your business is forced to close under lockdown restrictions.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.  After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

If your business is forced to close due to lock down restrictions, insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, subject to visiting the premises at least every 7 days.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.  As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.  When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the Government Website.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.  Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 9 June 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after continuous discussions with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time. These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 15th June and will apply until 18th July 2020.   Where the lockdown restrictions are lifted, allowing for your business to reopen, the changes set out below will apply for 14 days after the lockdown has been lifted.   After the 14-day period has expired the full policy terms and conditions will apply.  If for any reason you unable to reopen the premises after this period, you should notify us immediately for referral to your insurers.

We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers, and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

Due to temporary unoccupancy caused directly as a result of COVID-19, Insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst the premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances, Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition, subject to visiting the premises at least every 7 days.

Therefore, if your premises are temporarily unoccupied as a direct result of COVID-19 there is no need to advise us up until 18th July 2020, unless the lockdown has been lifted allowing for your business to reopen.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:
• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
When you begin to reopen, you need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19.   As an employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety. When authorised to re-open you are required to meet the Governments Covid-19 secure guidelines, full details can be found on the government website Here.

If you are unable to return to your normal trading premises because you are unable to meet the Covid-19 guidelines, you should contact us immediately to discuss your circumstances for referral to your insurers.

REPURPOSED PREMISES
During the lock down many business premises have been repurposed in order to maintain trade, and as the lock down measures begin to be lifted, we would expect normal business activities to resume.   Where these activities are outside of your normal business activities, or you are unlikely to return to your normal business activities, you should contact us to discuss your circumstances for consideration and referral to your insurers where necessary.

UPDATED 26 May 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after working very hard with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 26th May 2020 and will apply until 15th June 2020 or sooner should the UK Government remove the enforced closures of affected businesses.   We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers,  and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

Due to temporary unoccupancy caused directly as a result of COVID-19,  Insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst the premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances,  Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition,  subject to visiting the premises at least every 7 days.

Therefore,  if your premises are temporarily unoccupied as a direct result of COVID-19 there is no need to advise us up until 15th June 2020.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:

• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

UPDATED 21 May 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after working very hard with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented starting 21st May 2020 and will apply until 1st June 2020 or sooner should the UK Government remove the enforced closures of affected businesses.   We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers,  and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

Due to temporary unoccupancy caused directly as a result of COVID-19,  Insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst the premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances,  Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition,  subject to visiting the premises at least every 7 days.

Therefore,  if your premises are temporarily unoccupied as a direct result of COVID-19 there is no need to advise us up until 1st June 2020.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 7 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:

• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors.

UPDATED 14 April 2020

We are pleased to confirm that after working very hard with your insurers our policies have been extended at this difficult time.  These changes are set out below and are implemented for 60 days, starting 23rd March 2020 and will apply until 1st June 2020 or sooner should the UK Government remove the enforced closures of affected businesses.   We will be continuing to review this extension with your insurers,  and all other policy terms and conditions remain unchanged.

UNOCCUPIED PREMISES
Your policy stipulates that the premises must be “Commercially Occupied” and this would not be possible for some businesses.

Due to temporary unoccupancy caused directly as a result of COVID-19,  Insurers have agreed not to apply the normal restrictions and limitations whilst the premises are not commercially occupied.

In these circumstances,  Insurers have also agreed not to apply the “Unoccupied Premises” policy special condition,  subject to visiting the premises at least every 45 days.

Therefore,  if your premises are temporarily unoccupied as a direct result of COVID-19 there is no need to advise us up until 21st May 2020.

This is strictly subject to the following:
• You complete an internal and external inspection of the premises at least every 45 days
• You keep a written log of your inspection including the date and time of your inspection
• Your inspection must include both the interior and exterior of the premises
• Any unusual feature, changes or defects to the property, equipment or contents regardless of loss are notified to us immediately.

WORKING FROM HOME
We are committed to enabling our customers to continue working where possible, and for some, it does mean the need to work from home, be that you as the business owner or your employees at their homes.

In order to provide protection for those working from home, insurers have accepted that the policy definition for “Premises” is extended to include the private residences of any directors, partners or employees of the insured.

GUIDANCE FOR KEEPING YOUR BUSINESS SAFE
In order to keep your business as safe as possible during the enforced lock down here are some suggested precautions that would help reduce the risk to your business:

• removing cash and small valuables for safekeeping,
• empty waste bins and clear buildings of all waste,
• store external combustibles (pallets, waste etc.) at least 10 metres away from any building,
• leave flood precautions in place,
• ensure that fire and theft detection, CCTV and alarms continue to operate, shutting down any non-essential power and water (refrigeration equipment may be left on where required; heating systems should be either drained down or have thermostats fitted).
• confirm keyholders and make provision for response to alarm callout,
• close internal fire doors,
• where possible and safe to do so, inspect premises regularly (preferably once every 7 days) and a maintain a clear record of such inspections at a remote location.


UPDATED 27 March 2020

As the unprecedented situation with COVID-19 continues and the Government continues to take new measures to delay the outbreak we realise this is a worrying time for everyone, not least our customers.  Our thoughts are with everyone affected and their families.

Following the Government announcement earlier this week we closed our offices and moved all of our staff to a working from home policy.

We were able to achieve this will very little interruption to our service and would like to thank you for your patience.


UPDATED 23 March 2020

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, we are receiving a high volume of enquiries from our customers.

We would like to reassure all our policyholders that your policy cover continues as normal for the time being and would suggest that you follow all government instructions on social distancing and continuation to trade.

We understand how hugely worrying this pandemic is for all people and we have the greatest sympathy for business owners who will be faced with enormous difficulties and challenges.

The Association of British Insurers have given out the information below in recent statements regarding business interruption cover. It applies to the insurance policies we offer and to practically all polices for small businesses offered by all UK insurers.

“Standard commercial insurance policies – the type the vast majority of businesses purchase – provide cover against a wide range of day to day risks including damage caused by fire, flood, theft and accidents involving employees.”

“Insurers action claims of £22m each day to firms through these policies, supporting millions of businesses across the UK each year.”

“Standard business interruption cover – the type the majority of business purchase – does not include forced closure by authorities as it is intended to respond to physical damage at the property which results in the business being unable to continue to trade.”

“Irrespective of whether or not the Government orders closure of a business, the vast majority of firms won’t have purchased cover that will enable them to claim on their insurance to compensate for their business being closed due to Coronavirus.”

“Only a very small minority of businesses choose to buy any form of cover that includes local closure due to an infectious disease.“

“An even smaller number will have cover enabling them to potentially claim on their insurance for the presence or impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.…”

 “A small minority of typically larger firms might have purchased an extension to their cover for closure due to any infectious disease. In this instance an enforced closure could help them make the claim, but this will depend on the precise nature of the cover they have purchased….”

Cover for infectious disease usually applies to a list of specified diseases and no insurers include the coronavirus COVID-19 in this list. Because this is a new disease that the world was totally unprepared for and due to the enormity of the problem that has spread around the globe, support on a massive scale directly from governments and central banks is necessary to support businesses and communities. The UK government has unveiled a package of financial measures to support businesses through the impact of coronavirus and has promised more assistance if needed.

If you need advice or guidance for yourself and your staff through this difficult time, please remember you have access to 24 hour legal and business advice under policy. Please refer to your policy documents for the relevant phone numbers. You will need to quote your policy number when dealing with the helpline.

We are of course here to answer any specific questions you may have.

Below are some links to information that may be of help:

For details about the government’s package of financial measures and how it can help your business, visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

For Q & As on coronavirus from the Association of British Insurers, go to section 2, Business Insurance at

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-qa/

Call our teamContact us on 01277 630 666 to speak to a member of our team.