Covid-19 business interruption claims reopened after new legal rulings
Share
The hospitality and leisure sectors were among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thousands of businesses faced long closures, staff furloughs, and devastating losses. Yet when they turned to their business interruption insurance policies for support, many were met with rejection, or silence.
At Hugh James, we’ve led the legal fightback. And the landscape has now shifted decisively
Landmark rulings open the door to reassessment
In the past 18 months, our litigation team has secured multiple significant victories for policyholders, helping to reshape how insurers must interpret Covid-related business interruption policies. These include:
- A landmark High Court victory for a Michelin-starred Welsh restaurant, setting a vital precedent for businesses affected by closure and access restrictions.
- A £7.5 million arbitration win for hair and beauty salons across the UK under the ‘Salon Gold’ policy.
- A pivotal Court of Appeal judgment which clarified insurer obligations and opened the door for thousands of previously unsuccessful claims to be reassessed.
These rulings mean that even if your claim was previously denied, or never made at all, you may still have a strong case for compensation.
Time is running out
There is, however, a clear deadline. While the legal limitation period to bring claims is March 2026, Hugh James will be closing its intake on 23 February 2026 to ensure every client’s case can be properly assessed and progressed in time.
That’s why we’ve partnered with UKHospitality to help their members access the legal advice they need, quickly, clearly, and with no financial risk. Our service is no win, no fee, with no upfront costs.
Sector-specific expertise and proven results
We’ve supported hundreds of clients across the hospitality and leisure sectors, from independent bars and pubs to national hotel chains and franchise gyms. Our success has come from detailed policy analysis, proactive litigation, and a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges.
“Without Hugh James, we wouldn’t have known we had a valid claim. They helped us challenge the rejection, made the process stress-free, and delivered results.”
– Why Not Bar, Cardiff
How to get started
Whether a claim was previously rejected, never submitted, or simply overlooked, businesses may still be eligible. Legal rulings have changed the outlook, but the window to act is closing.