Hampshire-based business has joined the Hospitality Insurance Group Action in a bid to force an insurance payment

A restaurant business has hit out against its insurer for refusing to payout on a Covid-19-related business interruption claim.

Renoufs Cheese and Wine Bar, based in the New Forest, is part of the Hospitality Insurance Group Action (HIGA) which includes hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs that were forced to close as a result of government advice surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

Trevor Ayling, who owns the business told the Hampshsire Chronicle, a sister publication of Insurance Times said: “Like most people, we’ve been hit hard by the realities of the Covid-19 lockdown.

“On March 20, this year, we were told by the government to close our doors indefinitely, with immediate effect, on an otherwise fully-booked evening.

“In light of these difficult circumstances, we have decided to claim on our insurance policy and have tried every which way to get our insurer to respond – to no avail.

“This is simply unacceptable.

“What is the point of business interruption insurance, when your insurer refuses to respond or even acknowledge any claim?

He added that a payout on the policy would help secure the future of the business.

HIGA has appointed law firm Mishcon de Reya to take action against Aviva and QBE after reviewing over 500 business interruption policies.