A coronavirus molecule. (Courtesy photo from the CDC)

Every claim is different, and some insurance policies can be difficult to interpret for unique situations. FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, the recognized authority on insurance coverage interpretation and analysis for the P&C industry, makes it simple to find credible answers to your complicated coverage questions. Analysis brought to you by our FC&S experts. 

Editor's Note: Insurance is one of the best ways a business owner can transfer risk, but there are some risks for which insurance does not exist. The coronavirus is leading many policyholders to question the extent and adequacy of their coverages. In our question this week, this insured, like many others, is undergoing extensive cleaning above and beyond normal practices in an effort to protect their business and customers from this virus. Many have had to hire outside contractors to perform this service, adding costs to an already stressful time, emotionally and financially, as the virus continues to spread state by state, and many businesses are losing customers or unable to operate at full capacity due to lack of workers or supplies. 

Question: One of our insureds asked: "In the event that someone came into our office who was infected with the coronavirus, and we had to hire a company to perform an extensive cleanup, will the cleanup expense be covered under our insurance policy?"

— North Carolina Subscriber