RSA Covid-19 Update
With the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we appreciate that you may still have to leave your premises temporarily unoccupied. As the world adapts to the ‘new normal’, insurers continue to monitor the situation and update policy wording to ensure that your property remains adequately covered during these difficult times. Below is their most recent update.
Queries relating to unoccupied premises
NEW: What is RSA’s approach to buildings or business premises that have been closed due to coronavirus where the business
a) Decides to protect their business by working from home or
b) Has been instructed to close by the local authority or by the Government?
RSA would consider such business premises to be temporarily unoccupied. However, certain standard restrictions in RSA policies for unoccupied properties will not be applied, provided that the period of closure does not exceed 120 days. What this means for such premises is that, for the period that they may be closed for the above reasons or for up to 120 days maximum (whichever is the shorter period):
1) Where the policy wording excludes Malicious Damage, Escape of Water or Theft with respect to buildings that are empty or not in use, such exclusions will not apply
2) Security and Inspection conditions applicable to Unoccupied Properties will not apply
What Notification does RSA require from customers confirming that a business premises has been closed?
We would encourage customers to notify us if their business premises have been closed as a result of the UK Government’s COVID-19 guidance or restrictions. However, we understand that these are difficult times and will not refuse to consider a claim simply because a customer has not specifically advised that a building is now closed as a direct consequence of UK Government COVID-19 guidance or restrictions.
What approach will RSA take on buildings that were already Unoccupied before the COVID-19 restrictions were imposed?
For buildings or business premises that were already vacant prior to the imposition of the applicable UK Government restrictions, there will be no change to the cover restrictions, policy conditions or specific requirements that would have already been applied to maintain policy cover.
If any of the imposed conditions or requirements, including those involving the regular inspection of premises, now present an issue as a consequence of the UK Government restrictions, please refer to your usual RSA underwriter.
What is your approach to additional premiums for unoccupied premises at the current time?
RSA will not make any change to the premium charged as a result of unoccupancy for buildings that are temporary closed, the contents and stock items within them as a consequence of the UK Government restrictions to slow the spread of coronavirus only. This will apply for up to 120 days from the date of closure. Should the relevant UK restrictions remain in place beyond 120 days RSA will provide an updated view of the position. Risk Management guidance provided by RSA on securing the premises must be followed. Note from Dixons – If you would like some guidance, please call us.
If you would like us to clarify your insurers stance, or advise you on the steps that you should be taking to safeguard your premises, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist.