Courts / Dublin / Report

Insurer 'plainly wrong' in refusal to pay out Covid claims, court told

Date
2020-10-06
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Commercial Court hearing, four Dublin‑based publicans and a bar in Athlone challenged FBD Insurance PLC's refusal to pay business interruption claims arising from the Covid‑19 pandemic. Senior Counsel Michael Cush argued that FBD's position—that the pandemic does not fall within the policy's coverage of "outbreaks of contagious or infectious diseases" within 25 miles of the premises—is "plainly wrong" and "makes no sense." Cush highlighted that the insurer's interpretation would exclude coverage for nationwide closures, a stance he said was unsupported by the policy documents. The publicans claim breach of contract and seek orders directing FBD to indemnify them for losses incurred during the temporary closures that began in mid‑March. The case, which involves 1,100 Irish pubs and bars, is ongoing and is expected to last several weeks.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Insurer 'plainly wrong' in refusal to pay out Covid claims, court told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Hibernian Way
Court Venue
  • English High Court
  • UK's Supreme Court

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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