Soaring insurance costs killing kids' playtime

Rocketing insurance costs as a result of fraudulent and exaggerated claims are forcing small businesses that cater for children to close. Popular activity centre, LoLo Town in Navan, was the latest to shut its doors last weekend as a direct result of vastly increased premiums and costs. Another popular play centre, Jesters, also in Navan, closed in 2015.

Lolo Town owner Claudia Forde said: “We decided to close due to a huge increase in insurance, in addition to increases in other running costs. As a result of these increases, the business would not be profitable and we had to make the hard decision to close.”
Increased insurance costs mean those providing classes and activity facilities for young people will be left with no other choice than to follow suit, according to Navan businesswoman, Linda Murray. Spearheading a group for insurance reform, Linda has warned that play centres in Ireland could all be closed within 18 months because of bogus claims.

 

Her own business, Huckleberry's Den, has been refused cover renewal due to one pending claim and may now have to close in Navan, with the loss of 12 jobs.

“There will be no play centres in Ireland in 12 months because they will be unable to get insurance - it's that simple,” she said. “Actually any business that caters for children of a certain age will be obsolete.”

A number of other businesses in Meath are also facing an uncertain future including Best O Matz in Kells run by sisters Karen Yore and Amanda Lynch. The girls should be planning celebrations for their 10th anniversary in May but are instead worrying how long they can remain open.

“I can't guarantee my staff their jobs beyond the next insurance policy. Our insurance went from €3,500 in 2017 to €7,000 in 2018 and the minimum quote I have received to date is €15,500. We can't sleep at night worrying about what is going to happen.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER
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