In the past weeks, we have seen unrest and rioting across various parts of the UK, with more locations being targeted.
The recent incidents have seen both homes and businesses under attack from vandalism, looting and setting fire to property.
If your business, home or vehicles have been subject to damage during these events then this blog will provide you with help and advice on steps to take and how the damage can be covered via your insurance or compensation.
Things to know following riot damage
There are some things you need to know if your property is damaged during this unrest:
- The majority of business and home insurance policies will cover physical riot damage as will most vehicle insurance policies.
- Some insurance policies will also cover the business for interruption to trading or sales in the aftermath of the damage. Check with your insurance broker.
- The unrest needs to have been defined by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of the area as a riot (see below for the definition of a riot).
- Under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA), victims of damage, destruction and theft can claim for riot compensation if their business property, home or possessions were not adequately covered or insured.
- Compensation claims must be submitted within 42 days of the riot ending. However, we would recommend contacting your insurance company or insurance broker within 7 days of the incident.
Definition of a riot
The definition of a riot is important when it comes to compensation and insurance.
A riot is defined by law as “where 12 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety”.
However, it is worth noting that not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation under the riot regulations.
What should I do if my property is damaged in a riot?
- The first thing you should do if rioters damage property is to report the crime to the police immediately. The police should provide you immediate help and support and will also provide you with a crime reference number. You are likely to need this when submitting an insurance claim.
- Next is to secure your property following the damage. Ensure that broken windows are boarded up, locks fixed etc.
- Contact your insurance broker or insurance company to notify the damage.
- If for any reason you are not adequately insured, then you can submit a compensation claim to the official riot compensation scheme.
What can I claim for following riot damage?
Businesses can claim for damage to premises and damage or loss of stock.
Some commercial policies may include denial of access cover (if you are not able to operate your business due to access to the property being restricted) and/or non-damage business interruption cover. However, these are often optional covers, and you should check your policy carefully to see if cover applies.
If your vehicle(s)have been damaged, you should be covered under a motor insurance policy or fleet policy. Speak to your insurance broker to check policy wording carefully.
For damage to homes, buildings insurance policies will cover property damage or destruction to the property as standard, this includes the structure and any permanent fixtures and fittings.
If you have to leave your home due to the damage, your insurer will often provide or pay for the cost of temporary alternative accommodation.
Contents insurance policies will likely cover your possessions if they are damaged, destroyed or stolen.
If you have a combined buildings and contents insurance policy, you can claim under this policy. If you have bought separate buildings and contents policies with different insurers, you will need to contact both to make a claim.
If any of your policies don’t provide adequate insurance cover, then you may be able to claim compensation under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA).
For more information on the Riot Compensation Act click here.
More guidance on Riot Compensation Claims can be found here.
How can Harborough Portas help?
With riot damage comes added stress and time involved with securing, repairing and getting back to business along with potentially a police investigation following a riot or malicious damage. Many business owners need help and professional advice in such times. Here at Harborough Portas, we are here to support and advise our clients through every step of the process to minimise worry, stress and loss of business.
If you need more help and advice on your business insurance contact us.
