Illinois Restaurants Sue Society Insurance for COVID-19 Business Interruption Coverage

CHICAGO — A group of Illinois restaurants have filed a proposed class action against Society Insurance, demanding coverage for business interruption losses they have sustained due to civil closure orders issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a May 28 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, The Barn Investment LLC d/b/a The Barn, Found Investment LLC, d/b/a Found, and Aurora Restaurant LLC d/b/a Stolp Island Social say the orders triggered coverage under the policies’ business income, civil authority, and extra expense provisions.

Plaintiffs contend that defendants — and most insurers —are denying …