Coverage language regarding Business Income losses as a result of the coronavirus are fairly clear. The insurance policy requires that there be direct physical damage by a covered cause of loss. The Business Income loss to your business was not caused by direct physical damage and a virus is not a covered cause of loss. That being said, after disasters there have been instances where courts and/or government bodies have stepped in and interpreted policy language very broadly, potentially resulting in coverage being applied. We don’t know what is going to happen, but there is no doubt this is a disaster that was unplanned by anyone. We think it is important that a Business Income claim be filed with the insurance company for the business closure due to civil authority. We anticipate that the insurance companies will deny the claim based on their interpretation of the policy language. However, if there are court cases/governmental action somewhere down the line that results in Business Income claims being paid, we want your claim officially registered with the insurance company.
Please let us know if you’d like to file a claim.