Shops and Restaurants Insurance

Premium payments:

We understand the financial impact that Covid-19 is having on individuals and businesses across the country. A question you may be asking is:

‘As a result of Covid-19 what happens if I can’t afford to pay for my policy?’

Most of our Commercial and Retail Insurance policies are arranged via insurance brokers/MGAs, so in the first instance please contact your broker/MGA to discuss your needs and what assistance may be available.

If you have a direct debit under a Regulated Credit Agreement with New India Assurance and need our assistance please contact us on 01473 233626 between 9 am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays).

FCA Test case:

Due to the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extent of repudiated insurance claims for business interruption, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has decided to intercede in this matter.  They are seeking to obtain legal Judgment on how a number of insurance products should respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent Government Coronavirus Regulations.  These are referred to as the “test case”.

Whilst the policy wording issued by ourselves is not one for consideration by the test case, once Judgment and any subsequent appeal process is complete in the test case, it is expected the outcome will provide significant guidance for the need to review claims made under similar circumstances and similar policy wordings.

The FCA’s intended timetable for the test case review should see an initial decision (subject to possible appeal) in mid to late July 2020.  Thereafter, should there be a need to review the decision on claims of our Policyholders, we will contact our Policyholders individually.

In the meantime, you can keep up-to-date with the developments of the FCA’s test case review via their website www.fca.org.uk.  We will also be updating this website with any significant developments in the test case.

For further information please refer to the following links:

https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/business-interruption-insurance

https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/businesses/complaints-deal/complaints/coronavirus-covid-19-information-businesses

Our standard policy includes cover for;

• Contents and Stock including cigarettes, tobacco, wines and spirits
• Seasonal Stock Increase of 25% for November and December and for 30 days preceding Easter Day
• Accidental Damage to underground pipes, services and cables
• Replacement of locks at the property following theft of keys up to £500
• Loss of metered water up to £5,000
• Breakage of fixed glass, sanitaryware and signs
• Loss of Income and Additional Expenditure – standard limit of £600,000 with 24 months maximum Indemnity Period, with option to increase.
• Extensions include loss of income due to Denial of Access, Accidental Failure of public utilities, Notifiable Diseases, Defective Sanitation, Vermin or Pests and Murder or Suicide.
• Book debts where accounts records are destroyed
• Loss of Money whilst on the premises or in transit, including damage to any safe on the premises arising from theft
• Cover for bodily injury sustained directly as a result of assault or violence in connection with theft
• Public and Products Liability £2,000,000
• Employers Liability £10,000,000

Further options available to include cover for;

• Damage to Buildings including Debris Removal costs and Architects and Surveyors Fees
• Costs and expenses incurred in locating the source of any damage caused by Escape of Water or Oil up to £5,000
• Deterioration of frozen and chilled Stock following breakdown of refrigeration equipment up to £5,000
• Reduction in the value of the business following loss of licence up to £100,000
• All Risks cover on specified items of Business Equipment
• Loss or damage to Goods in Transit (including whilst loading and unloading) up to £10,000
• Loss of money or other property following dishonesty of employees up to £10,000
• Legal Costs and Expenses relating to Employment Disputes, Employment Compensation Awards, Tax Protection, Property Disputes, Tenancy Protection, Compliance and Regulation, Directors Protection, Statutory Licence Protection and Contract & Debt Recovery.

Suitable Risks;

• Retail Shops, including;
  • Grocer / Convenience Store / Supermarket
  • Newsagent / Confectioners
  • Off Licence
  • Clothing / Footwear Retail
  • Bakers / Butchers / Delicatessen
  • Bookmakers
  • Card and Gift Retail
  • DIY / Hardware Retail
  • Electrical Goods Retail
  • Florist
  • Opticians
  • Stationers / Office Equipment Retail
  • Café / Tea Room/ Sandwich Bar
  • Restaurant
  • Cooked Food Takeaway

Positive Features;

• Low claims frequency
• Trading history and experience
• Superior security features
• Overnight occupancy
• Low flood risk
• Low Subsidence risk

Unacceptable Features;

• Non-Standard Construction
• Unoccupied risks
• Unspent Criminal Convictions
• Previous Liquidation / Bankruptcy / CVA

Unacceptable Trades;

• Sale of second hand goods
• Hairdressers / Beauty Salons
• Launderette / Dry Cleaners
• Jewellers
• Garden Centres
• Cycle Dealers
• Market Halls / Kiosks
• Pawnbrokers
• Petrol Stations
• Tattooist / Body Piercing Studios