Landmark Victory: London ExCel Centre Wins Pandemic-Related Insurance Appeal

The owners of London's ExCel conference centre won an appeal against insurers, including Allianz, over losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This significant legal win clarifies that 'at the premises' clauses in insurance policies also apply to pandemic-related business interruptions, potentially benefiting thousands of policyholders.

The owners of London's ExCel conference centre emerged victorious on Friday in an appeal against insurers, among them Allianz, over pandemic-related business interruption losses. Legal representatives for the centre indicated the ruling could pave the way for numerous other policyholders to reclaim losses.

The High Court in 2022 initially ruled in favor of the ExCel Centre's owners, interpreting pandemic-related closures to be covered under 'at the premises' clauses in various insurance policies. On Friday, the Court of Appeal upheld this decision, dismissing the insurers' challenge.

Aaron Le Marquer, head of policyholder disputes at Stewarts, the law firm representing ExCel Centre, celebrated the ruling, suggesting it could potentially unlock claims for thousands of businesses similarly impacted. A spokesperson from Allianz announced that they are reviewing the implications of the decision and promised to update affected customers.

(With inputs from agencies.)