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<p>The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector to understand
and influence its response to this unprecedented situation and is encouraging insurers
to do all they can to support customers during this difficult period.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government is working closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure
that the rules are being upheld during this crisis and fully supports the regulator
in its role. The FCA rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly;
provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim; not reject a claim
unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. In addition,
the FCA has said that, in light of COVID-19, insurers must consider very carefully
the needs of their customers and show flexibility in their treatment of them.</p><p>
</p><p>On 1 May the FCA outlined its intention to seek a court declaration, on an
agreed and urgent basis, and for a selected number of key issues, to resolve uncertainty
for many customers making business interruption claims. Additionally, the FCA stated
its expectation for insurers to assess the value of their insurance products to customers
during this period and to consider appropriate action. This might include changing
how benefits are delivered, refunding some premiums or suspending monthly payments
for a certain period of time.</p><p> </p><p>Subsequently on 1 June, the FCA announced
the policy wordings that would be tested in the court action and insurers it had invited
to participate directly, along with an initial list of policy wordings and insurers
that will potentially be impacted by the Court’s decision on the representative sample.
The FCA expects to publish a final list of all the relevant insurers and policies
that may have impacted wordings in early July, and expects a court hearing to take
place in late July.</p><p> </p><p>However, it is important to note that most businesses
have not purchased insurance that covers losses from non-property damage. Additionally,
while some policies cover losses arising from any disease classed as notifiable by
the government, or a denial of access to a building, most of these policies only cover
a specific list of notifiable diseases or an incident specifically on the premises
of the business. Insurance policies differ significantly, so businesses are encouraged
to check the terms and conditions of their specific policy and contact their providers.
The terms of a policy cannot be changed retrospectively.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
encourages businesses to seek assistance through the wider support package if they
are in financial difficulty. Businesses should explore the full package of support
set out by the Chancellor in the Budget, on 17 March, and on 20 March, which includes
measures such as business rates holidays, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan
Scheme, and wage support.</p>
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