The association’s CEO Michael Kill has instructed industry barrister Philip Kolvin QC to advise its members on their rights under their insurance policies, and to challenge Hixcox’s insurance claim denial.
“Night Time Economy businesses are being denied legitimate insurance claims,” he says.
“Many claims are being disputed by insurers based on contrived arguments to avoid sharing the financial burden during the Covid-19 crisis.
“One of the main leisure sector policies was underwritten by Hiscox Insurance, who have written to their clients denying liability.
“Philip Kolvin QC has advised that claimants who were insured by Hiscox against closure by public authorities and who had to close their premises under the regulations have a good case against Hiscox.
“We want to talk urgently to any businesses within the hospitality and leisure sector who have a policy with Hiscox and would like to join the current group of over 100 claimants to progress a legal case against the company.”
One of most high-profile condemnations against Hiscox from within the industry has come from chef Raymond Blanc, whose Brasserie Bar Co has enlisted lawyers after being denied a payout by the insurer.
Blanc claims the firm is refusing to pay out after he was forced to close all the group’s pubs and restaurants as a result of the Coronavirus lockdown.
In response, Hiscox said its policies were not “designed or priced to cover the extraordinary circumstances” caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
