Aqueous Underwriting reveals measures to help restaurants impacted by Covid-19 outbreak

MGA Aqueous Underwriting has responded to the coronavirus pandemic with a package of measures designed to help the food, hospitality and leisure sectors, which have been heavily impacted by the crisis. 

The firm, at no extra cost, will remove certain unoccupied exclusions for policyholders forced to close their businesses in order to comply with government restrictions; these businesses will now remain covered for claims including material damage, theft and escape of water (EOW). 

It will also offer free employers, public and products liability insurance to any existing SME customers wanting to start providing takeaway food and drink delivery services, as well as give its broker partners new and extended renewal terms for SME businesses in the hospitality and leisure industry.

All annual renewals due in the next 90 days will be offered the option of a three-month policy, to reflect that current economic uncertainty makes longer-term business decisions much more difficult. 

‘Tremendous pressure’

Tom Hill, executive director at Aqueous, said: “It’s all too clear that sadly the liquidity and very existence of many UK SMEs in the hospitality and leisure sectors will come under tremendous pressure in the coming days and weeks as the government’s efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic come into effect.

”We hope that the measures we’re offering our brokers will help business owners in these industries in some small way as they try to weather the impact of this unprecedented event.”

Restaurants and pubs will be able to operate as takeaway and delivery businesses immediately under the new emergency measures announced by the government; this is in response to the expected switch by restaurants and food outlets from a dining in operation, to a takeaway and delivery model. Normal planning regulations here will be relaxed.