18th March 2020

BIBA’s guidance for members and their customers following the Government Coronavirus briefing on 17 March 2020 remains unchanged.

In general terms insurance is for the unforeseen. Insurance is not designed or capitalised to cover major global systemic risks, particularly pandemics. To be that broad it would be much more expensive to buy. Although covers do exist across a variety of insurance products only a small minority choose to buy them. The Government indicated in the Chancellor’s statement on 17 March 2020 that they have done enough for insurance policies to be ‘triggered’. We think it important to point out that the relevant cover impacted is only in respect of non-damage business interruption such as denial of access and suppliers/customers cover.  These are usually optional in policies and in many circumstances businesses’ insurance will not include this cover.

Businesses can find out more information about help from  Government in their guidance for employers and businesses.

Businesses can also contact the Government Business Support Helpline  for free advice.

Business Support Helpline (England)

Telephone: 0300 456 3565

Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm

 

Find Business Support Scotland

Telephone: 0300 303 0660

Textphone: 0800 023 2071

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

 

Wales – Business Wales Helpline

Telephone: 0300 060 3000

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

 

Northern Ireland Helpline

You can contact the Invest Northern Ireland helpline

Telephone: 0800 181 4422

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm

 

Businesses may also find free support, advice and sources of finance through a local ‘growth hub’.

 

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