Start with the trigger
Ask what event must happen before business interruption applies and whether damage must occur at your unit. Discuss access restrictions, utility interruption and neighbouring premises separately. A closure that disrupts trading is not necessarily an insured interruption.
Which closure scenarios meet the policy’s trigger?
Estimate the recovery period
Consider permissions, landlord repairs, specialist equipment lead times and reopening work. Prepare revenue and continuing-expense information and ask how the period and amount are calculated. Confirm whether extra expenses and temporary premises are addressed and what records a claim would require.
Does the proposed period reflect a realistic reinstatement timeline?
Make the next conversation useful
Bring the current documents and explain any changes. These details are a useful starting point:
- Complete lease and landlord requirements
- Use of premises and business activities
- Contents and improvement values
Ask the provider to connect its answer to the actual policy or eligibility terms, including exclusions, dates and reporting conditions. Keep the confirmed answer with the offer.
Sources & further reading
General insurance principles and the jurisdiction-specific references below support further reading. Examples are illustrative; individual policy terms require provider confirmation. Content updated October 11, 2026.