Overview and key points
As the March 2026 deadline approaches, businesses that suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic have a final opportunity to claim compensation under Business Interruption (BI) insurance policies. Recent legal changes mean more companies may now qualify, even if they were previously denied. If your business had BI cover in place during the first lockdown, now is the time to review your policy, seek expert advice, and act before your chance to recover pandemic-related losses is gone for good. Don’t miss out – find out what steps you need to take before it’s too late.
Key takeaways
- The deadline to submit COVID-19 Business Interruption (BI) claims is March 2026
- Recent legal changes mean more businesses may now qualify for compensation
- Review your BI policy and seek expert advice to assess your eligibility
- Act quickly—claims submitted after the deadline will not be considered
Fenchurch Law, a top UK firm, has reminded us that policyholders might need to consider submitting any remaining Covid-19 business interruption (BI) claims before the March 2026 deadline.
This marks the end of the five-year window for these claims to be brought.
Over the past few years, legal disputes over BI policy wordings have led to broader interpretations, meaning more businesses may now qualify for compensation related to losses during the early stages of the pandemic.
As we approach March 2026, businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and who had Business Interruption (BI) insurance policies in place in March 2020 – when the national lockdown was ordered – need to contact their brokers to establish whether there may be further cover now available. After this date, policyholders may be legally barred from pursuing compensation for pandemic-related losses.
What should you do now?
- Review your policy: examine your BI insurance wording, especially clauses related to “non-damage denial of access” and pandemic exclusions
- Get expert advice: we would recommend that you consult a solicitor to assess your eligibility and to prepare your claim
- Notify promptly: claims must be initiated before the limitation period expires to avoid being time-barred
- Gather evidence: compile financial records, closure notices, and any correspondence with your insurer at the time
Insurers acted quickly to add exclusions to any policies placed after March 2020 but any placed prior to lockdown might provide cover.
Many businesses, particularly in hospitality, retail and leisure were among the hardest hit during the pandemic. If your business suffered losses and you haven’t yet explored your BI coverage, now is the time. Once the limitation period passes, your opportunity to recover those losses may be gone for good.
Please note that your Partners& Adviser can assist, and our Claims Advisers can submit a claim on your behalf, but we cannot provide legal advice on the validity of your claim.
The deadline to submit COVID-19 Business Interruption claims is March 2026—after this, you may lose your right to compensation for pandemic-related losses.
Recent legal rulings mean more businesses may now qualify for COVID-19 Business Interruption compensation—even if their claims were previously rejected.