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Imagine this: Your business is running smoothly, customers are coming in, sales are solid, and your livelihood depends on it. Suddenly, boom — something happens. An accident, botched construction, a supplier fails you, or an absurd administrative decision shuts you down. Overnight, your income stops.

The question is: Who compensates you for what you didn’t earn? It’s one thing to be paid for material damages, but another entirely to be compensated for lost sales and profits. This is where business interruption (loss of profit) coverage comes in — and insurers rarely make it easy.

Let’s break down how to claim what’s rightfully yours.

What Is Business Interruption (Loss of Profit)?

Business interruption refers to the profit you failed to earn due to an event beyond your control. This is not about expenses you incurred (that’s direct damage) — it’s about the profit you would have made under normal circumstances.

Examples:

If you own a restaurant and street construction prevents you from opening for two months, the profit you would have made is your loss of profit.

If you own a workshop and a fire damages your tools, leaving you unable to work for three weeks, the revenue you couldn’t invoice is loss of profit.

Insurers dislike this concept because it means they must pay more — so they try to minimize, question, or deny it.

How to Prove Business Interruption in Your Claim

Insurers will demand evidence and look for excuses to pay less. Prepare thoroughly.

1. Prove Your Business Was Profitable

Tax returns and annual accounts

Previous sales invoices and receipts

Customer records and order history

2. Calculate Your Lost Profit Compare:

Sales from the same months in previous years

Average turnover before the incident

Seasonal factors (holidays, sales periods)

3. Link the Event to the Income Loss Demonstrate the direct cause-and-effect relationship:

Expert reports confirming damages

Customer or employee testimony

News reports or municipal notices if relevant

Common Insurer Tactics (and How to Counter Them)

“You can’t prove you would have earned that money.” Yes, you can — with sales history, trends, and supporting data.

“Your business was already struggling.” If they prove you were losing money, they’ll use it against you. Consistent profits disarm this argument.

“We only pay for expenses, not profit.” False. Loss of profit is a recognized right under Spanish law and included in many insurance policies.

How to Claim for Business Interruption

Gather evidence: invoices, financial statements, expert reports

File a formal claim explaining your calculation clearly

Seek expert advice: MataSeguros specializes in these claims and can assist

If unpaid, take legal action — many insurers only pay when they know you’re serious

Conclusion: Don’t Let Them Undervalue You

Business interruption compensation is not a bonus — it’s money you rightfully lost due to circumstances beyond your control. You have the right to claim it.

At MataSeguros, we make sure insurers pay what they owe. Contact us and we’ll help you fight for your compensation.