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Is my business covered if a storm closes it?

Business Storm & hurricane Caribbean (15 countries)

Short answer

Only if you have business interruption cover, and usually only after physical damage. A storm warning that keeps customers away, with no damage to your premises, is typically not covered.

What is usually covered

  • Lost profit and fixed costs while repairs are done, when the damage is from a covered storm.
  • Extra costs of working from a temporary location.
  • Some policies add cover when a supplier or neighbour is damaged, if that extension is included.

What is usually left out

  • Closures without physical damage to your premises.
  • Damage from flood or storm surge, if those are excluded from the property policy.
  • Income lost after the indemnity period ends.
  • Losses from power or utility outages that you did not add cover for.

What to ask your agent

  • Is business interruption part of my policy or a separate add-on?
  • How long is the indemnity period, and does it match how long we would really need to rebuild?
  • Is there a waiting period before it starts paying?
  • Does it cover payroll and fixed costs, or only profit?

Do this now

Estimate how many months it would take your business to reopen after serious damage, then check that your indemnity period is at least that long.

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Last reviewed 15 October 2026. General information only. Cover varies by country, insurer and policy, so check your own policy wording.