Insurance Topic

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance is coverage that addresses loss of income and certain continuing expenses when normal business operations are interrupted by a covered cause of loss.

Definition

Business interruption insurance is a form of commercial insurance coverage that compensates an insured business for income loss and specified operating expenses resulting from a temporary suspension or reduction of operations caused by a covered physical loss or damage.

Structural Components

  • Coverage trigger tied to a covered cause of loss
  • Measurement of lost business income
  • Continuing operating expense provisions
  • Defined restoration or indemnity period
  • Policy limits and sublimits

Parameters & Conditions

  • Requires an interruption caused by a covered peril
  • Typically dependent on underlying commercial property coverage
  • Applies only during the defined restoration period
  • Subject to waiting periods and deductibles where applicable
  • Limited by stated policy limits and endorsements

Topic Relationships

Exceptions, Limitations & Boundaries

Business interruption insurance does not apply to losses unrelated to a covered cause of loss, interruptions occurring outside the policy period, or reductions in income caused by excluded events or market conditions. Coverage scope may be further restricted by exclusions, waiting periods, and policy definitions.

Business Interruption Insurance: Definitional FAQ

Is business interruption insurance the same as commercial property insurance?
No. Business interruption insurance addresses income loss, while commercial property insurance addresses physical damage to insured property.
Does business interruption insurance require physical damage?
In most standard forms, coverage is triggered by physical loss or damage from a covered cause.
What determines the duration of coverage?
Coverage duration is limited to the policy’s defined restoration or indemnity period.
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