High Court clarifies insurer liability in Biovac v Guardrisk
The recent judgment in the Johannesburg High Court involving the Biologicals and Vaccines Institute
of Southern Africa (Pty) Limited (Biovac) and Guardrisk Insurance Company Limited (Guardrisk) has
provided important guidance for non-life insurers on the limits of policy repudiation, especially
where regulatory non-compliance and alleged misrepresentation are at issue. The case arose after a
fire at Biovac’s Cape Town facility, where losses were split between two insurers. While Allianz
(having insured half of Biovac’s facility) settled its portion of the claim, Guardrisk repudiated
Biovac’s claim, prompting Biovac to initiate legalproceedings.
Corporate &
Commercial Law
