In March 2020, Mudpie Inc.—a San Francisco children’s store—ceased operations when California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered all “non-essential” businesses to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the shut-down, Mudpie sought coverage for loss of “business income” and “extra expense” under a commercial property policy issued by Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America (“Travelers”). The Travelers policy provided coverage during the “period of restoration” for loss of business income due to the necessary suspension of the insured’s operations caused by “direct physical loss of or damage to the [insured’s] property.” About The Authors
