Night Time Industries Association appoints barrister to challenge insurers over Covid-19 claims

The Night Time Industries Association (NITA) has appointed a barrister to challenge Hiscox Insurance over its failure to pay out for Covid-19 claims under its business interruption policy.

Michael Kill, chief executive of NITA, said: "Night time economy businesses are being denied legitimate insurance claims. Many claims are being disputed by insurers based on contrived arguments to avoid sharing the financial burden during the Covid-19 crisis.

"We have instructed Philip Kolvin QC, the leading industry barrister, to advise on our members' rights under their insurance policies. One of the main leisure sector policies was underwritten by Hiscox Insurance, who have written to their clients denying liability. Philip Kolvin QC has advised that claimants who were insured by Hiscox against closure by public authorities and who had to close their premises under the regulations have a good case against Hiscox.

"We want to talk urgently to any businesses within the hospitality and leisure sector which have a policy with Hiscox and would like to join the current group of over 100 claimants to progress a legal case against the company "

Kolvin of Cornerstone Barristers added: "We should celebrate that NITA has stepped up to the plate to support the sector. It is time now for those insurance companies who know they are liable under their policies to do the same. The clue is in the name ‘insurance'. It is what they are in business for. They should not be running for cover. They will never be forgiven for doing so."