We have received a large volume of queries – across all sectors – over the last three weeks in relation to business interruption cover and the Covid19 pandemic. With this in mind, we wanted to take the opportunity to update the Florismart community in relation to this.

With over fifteen years of proudly insuring thousands of florists, freelancers and shops, we remain the only insurance broker to be officially endorsed by the British Florist Association. We are deeply committed to the industry and Florismart.

We understand that when you suffer interruptions to your business, that are unexpected and beyond your control, the first place you will look to is your insurance policy. Unfortunately, in respect of the Covid19 pandemic,  commercial insurance policies issued in the UK do not respond in the vast  majority of cases. The reason for this is that in order for you to be able to make a valid claim for business interruption not only must your premises have been closed down by a public body, but it must also be as a result of the infectious disease or virus manifesting itself or occurring at the premises. This is the case with your Floriguard policy.

Covid19 has been declared a pandemic and places of business are being shut down without the virus actually being present. They are being closed down to prevent the communication and spread of the virus and this is the reason why it isn’t insured under the policy.

Whilst, we are aware the Chancellor of Exchequer last week advised people that they could make a claim under their insurance policies, he clarified his statement in the Select Committee the following day. This was followed by a statement from the Association of British Insurers, which you can read in full on our website by clicking here.

We understand that this is a terribly frustrating, scary and uncertain time for all businesses and we will continue to do our level best to support the floristry industry, within the parameters of our insurers’ policy wordings.

We anticipate further updates in addition to information already provided by the UK Government. This, and further information relating to Business Support – can found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for employees, employers and businesses – UK Gov