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Business interruption insurance claims
When something forces your business to slow down or close, the money you lose can add up fast. We manage your business interruption claim from start to finish, working out the full extent of your loss, putting together the evidence, and negotiating with your insurer to get you the settlement your business needs to recover.
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First 48 Hours
What to do first when your business is disrupted
Move people to safety first, then do what you can to stop the disruption from getting worse. Write down everything as it happens: when the business had to close or slow down, what was affected, and any extra costs you had to pay. Keep all receipts. Tell your insurer straight away and bring in a loss assessor from the start, because the records you build in the first few days become the foundation of your claim.
What You Can Claim
What business interruption insurance cover typically includes
Business interruption cover is designed to replace the income your business loses when an insured event stops you from trading normally. It can cover lost turnover or profits, wages and running costs you still have to pay, and extra spending to keep the business going or reopen faster. What is included depends on your policy wording and the indemnity period, which is the length of time your insurer has agreed to pay for.
Causes and Scenarios
What triggers a business interruption claim
Most business interruption claims start with physical damage at your premises, such as a fire, flood, or burst pipe, that forces you to close or cut back on what you can do. Some policies also cover situations where you cannot get into your building, where a key supplier cannot deliver to you, or where a nearby business closes and your customers stop coming. It is worth checking your policy to understand exactly which triggers apply.
How the Numbers Work
How a business interruption insurance claim is calculated
Business interruption insurance claims are calculated by comparing what your business would reasonably have earned during the disruption against what it actually earned, then adjusting for policy definitions and the indemnity period. Insurers look for credible trading history, clear evidence of reduced turnover, and a logical calculation of gross profit or revenue loss. The best claims also evidence Increased Cost of Working and show how those costs reduced the overall loss.
Claim Types We Support
Types of business interruption claims we handle
Full closure
Where an insured event forces your business to cease trading entirely, the full period of closure and the subsequent recovery to pre-loss trading levels must both be captured in the claim.
Partial trading
Where operations continue at a reduced capacity following an insured event, calculating the true financial loss requires careful separation of the impact of the event from normal business fluctuations and trends.
Phased reopening
A business returning to full trading in stages after a major loss can face a prolonged period of reduced revenue that forms a legitimate and often underestimated part of the overall business interruption claim.
Denial of access
Where a business is prevented from accessing its premises due to an insured event at or near the property — even where the premises themselves are undamaged — denial of access cover may apply under your policy.
Relocation to temporary premises
The costs of operating from alternative premises during reinstatement, including fit-out, equipment hire, and any reduction in trading capacity, form part of the increased costs of working element of your claim.
Loss of utilities or essential services
Interruption to electricity, gas, water, or telecommunications supply caused by an insured event can halt or severely restrict operations, and cover for this scenario depends on the specific extensions included in your policy.
Supply chain interruption
Where disruption to a key supplier or logistics partner prevents your business from trading normally, contingent business interruption cover may apply, though the scope varies significantly between policies.
Customer or attraction interruption
Businesses that depend on footfall from a nearby attraction, venue, or anchor tenant may be entitled to claim where that source of customers is affected by an insured event, subject to specific policy provisions.
Increased Cost of Working (ICW)
Reasonable additional expenditure incurred to maintain or accelerate the return to normal trading — including overtime, temporary staff, equipment hire, and expedited reinstatement costs — can be recovered as increased costs of working under most business interruption policies.
Reduce Delay and Disputes
Why use a loss assessor for business interruption claims
Business interruption claims are often delayed or reduced because they involve forecasting, financial evidence, and detailed policy definitions. A loss assessor helps you quantify the loss, build a clear evidence pack, and respond to insurer queries without losing momentum. The goal is to present a well-supported claim that captures all eligible components, reduces disputes, and protects cashflow during a difficult trading period.
Timelines
How long business interruption insurance claims take
Business interruption insurance claims can be complex because the insurer will usually look closely at the trigger for cover, the policy wording, the financial evidence and the period of disruption being claimed for. Some claims can move forward relatively quickly where cover is clear and the losses are well documented, but more substantial or disputed claims often take several months and sometimes longer. Delays are more likely where there is disagreement about whether the policy responds, how the loss should be calculated or how long the interruption to the business is likely to last. Keeping clear financial records, documenting the impact on trading from the outset and getting expert advice early can help support the claim and reduce unnecessary delays.
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How we help you
Business interruption insurance claims experts
Maximum Settlements
We’re dedicated to securing the best possible settlement for your business interruption claim, ensuring every aspect of your loss is fully covered and your entitlements are protected.
Business Interruption Claim Experts
With extensive experience in negotiating business interruption claims, we know how to advocate for your rights and achieve a fair, timely outcome.
Full-Service Claim Management
From policy review to coordinating support for business continuity, we manage every detail of your claim, allowing you to focus on your business’s future.
Proactive and Thorough
We think outside the box to ensure every aspect of your business’s loss—whether from lost revenue, additional expenses, or equipment failure—is identified and addressed.
Quick Claims Admission
We work strategically to help secure fast claim admission for your business interruption, minimising delays and helping your business recover as soon as possible.
Transparent Communication
From initial policy review to final settlement, we keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience during a challenging time.
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Business interruption claim support
Common business interruption claim FAQs
What is a business interruption insurance claim?
A business interruption claim is for the financial impact of a disruption to your business. It is usually linked to an insured event (like fire, flood, or damage at your premises) that reduces turnover, stops trading, or increases costs while you recover.
What can I claim for under business interruption cover?
Common items include loss of revenue or gross profit, fixed running costs (like rent and wages), temporary relocation costs, and extra expenses needed to keep trading. Some policies may also include disruption from suppliers or equipment breakdown.
What should I do first after an incident that stops my business trading?
Make the site safe, reduce further damage, and record what happened. Then start a simple timeline: when trading was affected, what areas stopped, what workarounds you used, and what costs you are incurring. Keep receipts and save evidence from the earliest day.
What information will I need to support my claim?
Insurers usually ask for financial records such as management accounts, profit and loss statements, turnover reports, payroll summaries, and evidence of increased costs. The clearer the records, the easier it is to show the true impact on your business.
How is the value of a business interruption claim calculated?
It is typically based on what your business would have earned if the disruption had not happened, compared with what you actually earned during the disruption. The calculation also considers the costs you saved and the extra costs you had to pay to keep operating.
What is the “indemnity period” and why does it matter?
The indemnity period is the time your policy allows for recovery. If your business is still impacted after that period ends, you may not be covered for ongoing losses. Getting the claim scoped properly early can help avoid problems later. Contact us today for expert guidance on your business interruption claim.
Can I claim for temporary premises or operating from another location?
Often yes, if your policy includes cover for temporary relocation costs or increased cost of working. These costs need to be reasonable and supported by invoices, contracts, and a clear explanation of why they were needed.
What if my insurer disputes the level of loss or delays admitting the claim?
This is common with business interruption claims because the losses are not always obvious at first. A well-prepared claim with clear evidence, timelines, and financial support helps reduce pushback and delays.
How quickly can OMC Claims assess the impact on my business?
In many cases, we can complete an impact assessment and policy review within 48 hours so your claim can move forward with clear documentation and a strong plan. Contact us today for a free business interruption claim consultation.
Do I need a loss assessor for a business interruption claim?
Business interruption claims are technical and often under-settled when evidence is incomplete or the calculation is not prepared properly. A loss assessor can manage the process, prepare the claim, and deal with the insurer while you focus on getting the business running again.
How much does a loss assessor cost for business interruption claims?
For Business Interruption (BI) claims our fee is typically 10% + VAT of the final settlement. Loss assessors typically charge a pre-agreed percentage of the final settlement, rather than an hourly rate. The exact percentage is agreed in advance and can vary depending on the size of the claim, the complexity of the financial calculations, and the duration of the interruption period.
How long does a business interruption insurance claim take to settle?
Business interruption insurance claims can vary significantly in length. Where the policy cover is clear and the loss is well evidenced, the claim may move forward more quickly, but more complex or disputed claims often take several months and can take longer where there is disagreement about cover, the value of the loss or the length of the interruption period.
If your question is not covered in the FAQs above, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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