Our clients, brokers and people are at the centre of everything we do at NIG and their interests and protection are particularly important during these challenging times.
NIG remains committed to ensuring our brokers and customers receive the service they require. Within Direct Line Group (including NIG) we have a comprehensive business continuity plan which is regularly reviewed, updated and tested to ensure that we can maintain service during and following an event.
We want to keep you up to date so that you can respond to your clients’ queries relating to our cover and trading capability. I hope you find the below helpful and it provides the clarity you need at this stage.
Business Continuity at NIG
Given the evolving situation we have been stress testing and implementing our contingency plans. We are enabling and encouraging employees to work from home and they will do so for as long as required. We continue to handle claims, renewals, mid-term adjustments and new business enquiries, with the aim to maintain business as usual. We’ll keep you updated of any further developments and your usual NIG contact details remain unchanged.
Make sure your clients have the right cover
Businesses nationwide will be making changes to how they operate to keep their staff safe, follow government guidelines and continue to serve their customers. Please work with your clients and speak to your usual NIG contacts to review their insurance needs, making sure they have appropriate cover for the changing circumstances. For example, many businesses will be asking employees to work from home, resulting in company equipment being temporarily removed from their premises.
Policy Cover & COVID-19
BUSINESS INTERRUPTION
Coronavirus is not covered under the Business Interruption section of our standard Commercial policies. Our policies contain an extension under the Business Interruption/Loss of Rent sections for disease which is included as standard. This extension does not use the term ‘notifiable disease’ and instead restricts cover to a list of specified diseases. This list does not include Coronavirus or COVID-19 and therefore there is no cover for any losses following a loss of income as a result of an occurrence of Coronavirus at the Premises under this extension.
EMPLOYERS AND PUBLIC LIABILITY
Our Liability cover provides protection for the Policyholder against their legal liabilities to their employees or the public. Both Employers Liability and Public Liability require negligence in order to operate. There has been significant guidance and advice from the Government with regards to safety at work and travel, and any breach would need to be in contravention of these guidelines, for example not providing essential equipment or sending an employee to a known infected area.
I am extremely proud of how quickly we have deployed contingency plans and through our technologies we continue to operate with minimal delay. I would like to thank my team for their flexibility and commitment to deliver service to you and your clients. We are an agile business and we are ready to adapt during these uncertain times.
Finally, I would also like to thank you for your patience and understanding during these exceptional circumstances. This is the time when the strength of our relationships will enable us to work together to provide the service and support that clients need.
Stay safe and look after those around you.
Sonya Bryson
Managing Director NIG