Courts / Dublin / Report

Business interruption policy for localised outbreaks only, FBD tells High Court

Date
2020-10-08
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 8 October 2020, FBD Insurance's counsel, Declan McGrath SC, argued that the company's business interruption policies cover only localised disease outbreaks and do not extend to pandemics such as Covid‑19. McGrath rejected the claim that FBD was obliged to indemnify four Irish pub owners for losses incurred during the pandemic, stating that the policies do not cover pandemics and that the relevant peril is the period of government‑ordered closures, not the virus itself. He noted that the policies' clause covering closures due to outbreaks within 25 miles does not apply to a pandemic. McGrath also indicated that evidence would be presented showing that the bar and restaurant sector had already suffered losses from fear of Covid‑19 before the March closures, and that similar losses occurred in countries without enforced closures.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Business interruption policy for localised outbreaks only, FBD tells High Court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Address Area
  • Hibernian Way

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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