Business claims

Business interruption: what to do and what to gather

These claims are won on your financial records. Start collecting them now.

Do this first

1. Check that the cause of the interruption is covered Business interruption cover usually depends on an insured event, such as fire or storm damage.
2. Tell your insurer as soon as you can
3. Keep a record of what the interruption is costing you Lost sales, ongoing costs and extra expenses to keep running.
4. Take reasonable steps to keep trading or reduce the loss Your policy may expect it.

Who to tell

• Your insurer or broker: Tell them about the interruption and its cause.
• Your accountant: They can help prepare the financial evidence.

What to gather

• Evidence of the event that caused the interruption. Photos, reports or notices.
• Financial records before and during the interruption. Sales, profit and loss and tax returns.
• Ongoing and extra costs you've had. Wages, rent and temporary arrangements.
• The dates the business was affected. The loss is measured over a period.

Things that catch people out

• Cover often starts only after a waiting period or applies only up to a set limit. Check yours.
• Gaps in your financial records make claims slower. Keep everything from before and during the interruption.

General guidance only. It isn't your insurer's requirements or financial advice. Always check your policy documents and your insurer's instructions.