By Ryan Woolley, CEO of Insurance Claims Africa (ICA) – Business Interruption Claims – Prevention of Access

Following the explosion on Lilian Ngoyi (Bree) Street on Wednesday night, specialist public loss adjuster, Insurance Claims Africa (ICA) is urging all businesses operating in the area to be proactive in contacting their Brokers and checking their insurance policy, and to take the precaution of notifying their insurers of possible business interruption claims as quickly as possible.

ICA is the specialist public loss adjuster that represented thousands of businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic against insurance companies who were refusing to settle their clients’ Business Interruption claims, as well as representing businesses during the 2021 riots and 2022 floods in KZN.

Following Wednesday’s explosion, Woolley says that there is likely to be restricted public access to the businesses that operate in the area for some time, which may result in interrupted commercial operations. 

Ryan Woolley, CEO for ICA says: “There are two risks to businesses, the first being immediate, where access will be restricted while the current situation is being investigated, and the second is more medium term, given that the road and surrounding infrastructure will need to be repaired, which will restrict foot traffic, public transport and access to surrounding buildings. These interruptions may impact a businesses’ ability to trade successfully, as fewer customers will be able to access their premises.”

“In an unfortunate event such as the explosion in the inner city on Wednesday night, a business would be able to claim against their insurance if they elected the Prevention of Access clause under their Business Interruption policy.” 

Woolley also urges owners of buildings in the area to conduct a structural evaluation of their properties, which would be covered under their building insurance policy.

Woolley said he was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and injuries caused as a result of the explosion.