Aqueous Underwriting launches a range of measures aimed at helping the hospitality and leisure sectors facing COVID-19 closure

Following last month’s UK Government announcement closing pubs, clubs and restaurants, MGA Aqueous Underwriting has responded with a package of measures designed to help the food, hospitality and leisure sectors. These include removing unoccupied exclusions for policyholders forced to close their businesses, free liability insurance add-ons for businesses now offering takeaway services, and three-month policies for businesses uncertain about their future.

From today, Aqueous will remove certain unoccupied premises exclusions for businesses forced to temporarily close their doors to comply with Government restrictions. These businesses will now remain covered for claims including material damage, theft and escape of water. The removal of the exclusions is available to policyholders at no additional cost.

Aqueous will also be offering free Employers, Public and Products Liability insurance to any existing SME customers wanting to start providing takeaway food and drink delivery services. The move is in response to the expected switch by those restaurants and food outlets able to move from a dining in, to takeaway and delivery model.

Restaurants and pubs will be able to operate as takeaway and delivery businesses immediately under new emergency measures announced by the Government. The measures have been introduced in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and will relax the normal planning regulations required. 

Tom Hill, Executive Director at Aqueous said: “It’s all too clear that sadly the liquidity and very existence of many UK SMEs in the hospitality and leisure sectors will come under tremendous pressure in the coming days and weeks as the Government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic come into effect. We hope that the measures we’re offering our brokers will help business owners in these industries in some small way as they try to weather the impact of this unprecedented event.”

Additionally, Aqueous are offering their brokers new and extended renewal terms to SME businesses in the hospitality and leisure industry. All annual renewals due in the next 90 days will be offered the option of a 3-month policy as current economic uncertainty makes longer-term business decisions more difficult.