4. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:06 pm on 22 April 2020.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 5:06, 22 April 2020

Can I thank Dawn Bowden for raising a concern that a number of politicians have also flagged up with me? You're absolutely right, Dawn, that, in some respects, some insurers are trying to find any way possible to avoid paying out on claims. That's not acceptable, and you're right that Ministers are speaking with the ABI—the Association of British Insurers—this afternoon. That discussion began about 30 minutes ago. I was meant to be part of it, and I've asked my colleague, Jeremy Miles, to chair it. We will report back to Members on the outcome of that discussion. But if there are any cases that need to be highlighted to Government, there is a specific business COVID-19 e-mail that I'd urge Members to pass on to businesses. It is, quite simply: business.covid-19@gov.wales.

And you're right that businesses, particularly in the events sector, are finding that their insurance policies were not detailed enough, that they didn't get sufficient cover to ensure that they could apply for a successful claim in the event of a pandemic of this type. The problem that I personally have with insurance businesses in this regard is that, sometimes, the small print is too small to be read, and some glaring holes that should be flagged up with customers as they are purchasing their insurance policies are not highlighted to them. I think there is a role in the insurance industry to offer more transparent means of sharing vital information with their customers.