Business Interruption Insurance

One of the biggest challenges facing the insurance industry is the disastrous effects of businesses not having adequate business interruption insurance and an up to date Business Continuity Plan.

Business interruption insurance, also known as BI is one of the most important classes of insurance any business can buy. The most common queries we get from clients in relation to business interruption insurance are, what exactly is it; and in practice how does a claim get calculated and settled?

We call it “life insurance for your business” and provide a greater insight into a lesser understood area of insurance.

In practice, if a business or organisation suffers disruption caused by an insured event, that affects cash flow and/or profitability, BI steps in to protect the organisation by continuing to pay the net profit, plus all the on-going fixed expenses which can include but are not limited to the following:

  • Financial costs such as lease payments, hire purchase and mortgage repayments
  • Pay-Roll costs including on costs such as WorkCover, PAYE, payroll tax and superannuation contributions
  • Rent and other fixed outgoings
  • Insurance – keyman, income protection, life insurance and general insurance policies like this one
  • Utilities such as gas, electricity, communications and water charges
  • All other expenses of the business that will continue during the period of disruption

Fundamentally, the principle behind BI is to put the business back into the position (or as near as will allow) that would have been enjoyed had the loss or disruption not occurred. The policy responds by covering the cost of outgoing expenses to the business, plus any “increased costs” the business incurs as a direct result of the disruption.

At McKenzie Ross, we consider business interruption insurance cover a vital class necessary to protect all businesses. The statistics for businesses who do not buy BI or who do not update their BI speak for themselves. A reported 80% enter administration within 12 months of a major loss.

McKenzie Ross’s business insurance brokers can provide sound advice on how best to tailor Business Interruption insurance to your business and your requirements. We are happy to provide advice and insights on the adequacy of indemnity periods, pay-roll covers, customer dependencies and increased costs to maintain revenue.

Need guidance on the type of commercial insurance product or service that’s best for you? Talk to our broking teams today – Call us on (03) 9691 2222

Key Benefits Of Using McKenzie Ross

High level assurance that risks are transferred where intended.

A greater understanding of the risks retained in your organisation, some of which may require alternative management methods.

A formal process of risk identification that demonstrates good corporate governance to stakeholders.

Linkage between insurance and your organisation’s overall process for risk management.

Enhanced ability for ‘insurable’ risk to be transferred to insurance markets in the best possible light by demonstrating sophistication in identification and analysis.