Insurance Authority response to media enquiries

8 October 2019

In response to media enquiries about the impact of putting in place the Prohibition of Face Covering Regulation under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance (Cap. 241) on validity of insurance policies, the Insurance Authority has the following reply:

Insurance policies are private contracts between insurers and policy holders. The Prohibition of Face Covering Regulation made by the Chief Executive in Council under section 2 of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance (Cap. 241) does not override or alter the terms and conditions of any insurance policy, or in any way interfere with the rights and obligations of the insurer and its policy holders under any insurance policy.

The question of whether a loss is covered under an insurance policy is determined in accordance with the terms, conditions and exclusions stated in the policy and the particular factual circumstances of the loss. The terms and conditions of some insurance policies will provide coverage for loss arising from strike, riot and civil commotion, whilst others will specifically exclude it. Policy holders are advised to refer to the terms, conditions and exclusions stated in the particular insurance policy and the factual circumstances of the loss.

Policy holders should contact their insurance intermediaries or insurance companies for enquiries about the terms, conditions and exclusions of their insurance policies.

Ends