Do Contamination Clauses Provide Insurance Coverage During the Coronavirus?

 Posted on April 14, 2020 in Insurance Coverage Litigation

By Law Clerk Nathan Froemming.

Has your insurance claim been denied despite the presence of a “contamination clause” in your insurance policy? The coronavirus has caused businesses to close across the nation, resulting in lost revenue for many small business owners. As a result, many businesses, especially restaurants and bars, are reviewing their insurance policies to see if they can file an insurance claim to seek relief.

One common provision found in insurance policies is a “contamination clause.” For example, an insurer may pay for lost business income caused by “‘Contamination’ that results in an action by a public health or other governmental authority that prohibits access to described premises or production of your product.” Furthermore, “contamination” is defined in some policies as “a defect, deficiency, inadequacy or dangerous conditions in your products, merchandise, or premises.” This is the language found in one insurance policy, so different policies might have different language or exclusions that may impact the coverage. An insurance claim will always depend on the terms of an individual policy, so remember to look at your own policy.

Many insurers are denying claims because they believe government-required closures of businesses do not result in or from “contamination” or the threat of “contamination” from the premises. Those insurance companies who interpret their policies in such manner will likely face a challenge on this issue soon. Whether the coronavirus shutdown may trigger this coverage is a question that Wisconsin courts will soon be faced with interpreting in the face of this crisis.  

Contact a Milwaukee, Wisconsin Insurance Coverage Attorney

If your insurance claim has been denied during the coronavirus pandemic, despite the presence of a contamination clause in your insurance policy, get in touch with the Milwaukee insurance coverage lawyers at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP right away. We will help you understand your rights to coverage under your insurance policy and your legal options for seeking relief during this tough time. Contact our office at 414-271-1440 to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2020/04/03/563177.htm