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COVID-19 is forcing businesses to face a number of risks, liability and insurance implications. Companies could seek coverage for a variety of claims stemming from the outbreak, including workers' compensation, business interruption, liability and more. And, now that it is a pandemic, the economic fallout may be expansive - hitting your company's operations in the form of lower sales or supply chain disruptions. Now is a good time to understand which of your insurance policies could come into play. Workers' compensation Workers' compensation policies generally extend insurance benefits to employees for injuries and illnesses "arising out of or in the course of employment." That wording makes it difficult for most workers to file a claim if they suspect that they got the coronavirus at work, presumably from another employee, customer or visitor to the workplace. But if an employer knows that the virus is in the workplace, coverage could apply. Workers' compensation could come into play in the following instances:
However, workers' comp insurance would likely not cover employees who are working on assignment abroad for more than a short time. Business interruption One major fallout from the spread of COVID-19 is that it has cut into global supply chains, forcing manufacturers around the world to suspend production. This has been especially true for companies that rely on China for their parts and materials. But now that the virus has exploded in a number of countries, the threat to supply chains will only increase. This has already started affecting companies in the United States. If your company's operations are affected or stopped due to the virus, you may be wondering if the business interruption coverage in your property policy or business owner policy may pay out. Business interruption coverage replaces income that was lost due to a disaster, such as a fire on the premises of the company or one of its suppliers, or a hurricane that hinders a company from operating. However, any hit to your income from coronavirus would not be physical damage, which is a prerequisite for this coverage. Viruses and disease are typically not an insured peril unless added by endorsement. In many cases, the policy may specifically exclude coverage for viruses and disease. There is potential coverage through communicable disease coverage under proprietary insurance carrier forms if the insured is closed by a "public health authority" order for closure, decontamination, etc. But it's worth noting that these usually require the order to happen, so the insured cannot voluntarily decide to close and then claim coverage. General liability In terms of liability, a third party - customer, vendor or guest - could claim they were sickened on your property and sue your business for negligence for failing to provide a clean facility, which could trigger your commercial general liability policy. Any company that deals with the public or customers, like a retailer, restaurant, hotel, daycare center or a gym, would be at greatest risk for this type of action. While the chances of them winning such a case would be small, you could still face legal bills, which your CGL policy would typically cover. If there is coverage, it would come under the policy's "bodily injury" portion. Some CGL policies exclude claims arising from a pandemic, virus or bacteria, so read your policy carefully. Many insurers also include broadly worded pollution exclusions that could preclude or limit coverage. Business travel accident insurance This insurance could cover employees who travel on business domestically or internationally, foreign employees of U.S.-based businesses and U.S. employees on offshore assignments. The insurance provides:
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If you are like most people, it's always in the back of your mind when you decline the car insurance when renting a vehicle while away on vacation or business. If you've ever opted for full supplemental coverage, you've likely noticed that the cost of your rental skyrockets by more than 50% in many cases. But, if you already have insurance for your personal vehicle, you likely don't need it. There are two reasons you may want to forgo agreeing to purchase insurance at the rental counter: 1. Your existing insurance The insurance policy for your personal car or truck will usually cover you for a variety of risks:
2. Your credit card Some credit cards, particularly gold or platinum ones include rental car insurance. This applies only if you use the same card to pay for your rental car. Terms and conditions vary, but generally:
Read up on this in the terms and conditions of your credit card so that you understand exactly what the card covers in terms of rental car insurance. For example, you may not be able to rent certain types of vehicles, or it may not cover certain damage, like from driving on a dirt road. Card issuers frequently cap rental periods as well. Make sure you know what your credit card company offers before you rent a vehicle. But wait… there's more If your personal insurance policy doesn't include comprehensive or collision coverage, you may want to purchase liability coverage from the rental company. It may also be wise to do so if you already have a high deductible on your personal auto's insurance policy. Also, if you're renting a car on a business trip, or intend to drive it into another country (other than Canada), you will likely need additional coverage. If you have any questions, call us. |
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