A powerful reminder of why proactive risk planning pays off
In a world where uncertainty has become the only constant, there’s one story from the insurance world that continues to make headlines for all the right reasons: Wimbledon’s pandemic policy.
While most sporting events around the globe came to a halt in 2020, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which organises Wimbledon, was among the few prepared for the unexpected.
Nearly two decades before COVID-19 shook the world, Wimbledon had already safeguarded its future with a pandemic insurance policy, becoming a benchmark case for risk foresight.
What Sparked Wimbledon’s Bold Move?
The foresight came in 2003, after the SARS outbreak. While many brushed it off as a short-lived threat, Wimbledon took note. They understood the risk that even a temporary disruption could pose to a global event and opted to protect themselves, not just with event insurance, but with pandemic cover.
They paid nearly £1.5 million annually for this protection. At the time, this may have seemed excessive or unnecessary. But when COVID-19 forced the cancellation of Wimbledon in 2020, their first cancellation since WWII, their decision paid off.
The Payoff of Being Prepared
What Can Today’s Businesses Learn?
While standalone pandemic insurance is no longer widely available, the principle remains the same: future-proofing through the right coverage is a strategic business decision.
At Beacon Insurance, we believe Risk Management Coverage are still among the smartest investments for corporations and industries hosting high-value activities.
While pandemics may now be excluded, event insurance still offers critical protection for,
- Weather-related cancellations
- Equipment damage
- Third-party liability
- Key personnel no-shows
- Property or asset losses
Why This Matters for Your Business
Be it corporate conferences, factory launches, international expos, or sporting tournaments, every event has unseen risks. The cost of being unprepared far outweighs the premium of a strong insurance plan.
Let the story of Wimbledon be more than just inspiration; let it guide your next move.
Consult our experts at Beacon Insurance to understand how operational insurance can protect your business interests.
