General Insurance Article - Insurance claims linked to a bad Brexit risk being rejected

 Mactavish says UK companies face major liability risks for failing to prepare adequately for Brexit, and directors may not be covered by their Director’s and Officers’ (D&O) insurance cover, potentially leaving them personally exposed to legal action. Furthermore, Brexit brings a range of new challenges for British business, and it will be difficult to understand what their various insurance policies cover them for in the event of a bad Brexit.

 Also, the Insurance Act 2015 requires companies to adequately investigate their risks and disclose these to their insurers. If they have not done this for Brexit, it could make some insurance cover invalid.

 Bruce Hepburn, CEO, Mactavish said: “Companies should be reviewing their risk profile in relation to Brexit, and ensuring their insurance provides adequate cover. Their Brexit plans should be comprehensive and clearly documented as they may need this to defend themselves against lawsuits bought by disgruntled investors for example, but also to ensure their insurance remains valid. It could be easy to assess whether a company has prepared properly for Brexit by comparing how they have been affected with their peers.

 “Under Boris Johnson’s new government, the chances of a no deal Brexit have increased, and this has raised the chances of companies and their directors being sued for being poorly prepared. It remains to be seen how any insurance claims linked to a bad Brexit will be viewed by insurers, and many could be rejected.”