A-Z Insurance | Sources checked October 27, 2026 | For Ontario businesses reviewing historical Aviva business interruption records
A settlement headline is a reason to check your old file, not a promise of payment. Before asking whether your business is affected, organize the documents that show what you bought, what happened and what you reported.
What happened, and when?
The Ontario Superior Court approved the Aviva COVID-19 business interruption class-action settlement on October 16, 2026. The proceeding concerns historical policies and a national class, not only Ontario businesses. [1] Class counsel announced the approval on October 20 and described an all-inclusive C$150 million settlement. [2] These are earlier events being reviewed on October 27, not a new approval today.
Class counsel identifies particular historical Restricted Access or Negative Publicity coverage and prior claim notification as relevant to possible compensation. [2] Holding an Aviva policy alone is not enough to establish entitlement. This article does not decide eligibility, calculate compensation or confirm a current filing deadline.
1. Find the complete historical policy
Our suggested first folder contains the policy declarations, wording, endorsements and renewal documents for the period you want reviewed. Match the insured business name, location and policy number. If something is missing, ask your former broker or insurer whether a copy is available. Do not substitute today’s policy for the historical contract.
2. Preserve the notification trail
Create a second folder for the original claim notification, acknowledgment, reference number and subsequent correspondence. Retain original dates and attachments. Note who received each communication and how it was sent. A new inquiry does not prove an earlier claim was notified, and missing correspondence should be identified as missing rather than reconstructed as fact.
3. Make an index of the business records
For a third folder, list the records already available about the interruption and its financial effect. Examples might include closure dates, sales records, accounts and relevant correspondence. This is an organizational suggestion, not the settlement administrator’s required evidence list. Ask the administrator or class counsel what is actually needed before sending confidential business information; use their verified submission channel.
Ask the right questions before sending anything
- Does the exact historical wording and notification history place this business within the settlement process?
- What steps, documents and deadlines currently apply to this file?
- Who should receive the documents, and through which verified channel?
Class counsel’s announcement directs inquiries to BDO Canada LLP at 1-888-333-6029. [2] Confirm current administrative instructions directly; this checklist does not state that a claim window is open or closed. For interpretation of legal rights, seek qualified legal advice.
A-Z Insurance can help you organize questions about insurance documents. The settlement should not be read as a guarantee that a current policy covers future pandemics or any other shutdown. Keep any review of today’s commercial insurance separate from the historical settlement inquiry. This is general information, not legal advice or a coverage or payment guarantee.
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Sources checked October 27, 2026; this is not a publication date.