Widespread rioting will lead to many homeowners, business owners, and drivers making claims nationwide. The resulting damage is predicted to cost the insurance industry a hefty amount. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), it is still too early to say how much it will cost and the impact it could have on premiums.  

For policyholders and insurers, the main focus will be assessing the losses and starting the claims process. As many homeowners, motorists, and entrepreneurs start cleaning up the damage and recovering from the unrest, they’ll need to know what they can (and cannot) claim on their insurance and legal rights. 

In this blog, we’ll advise you on the steps to take if you need to claim a result of rioting, what to do if you don’t have the right coverage in place, and what to expect from different policy types in terms of coverage.  

Does my insurance cover damage caused by rioting? 

The ABI states that ‘most household or business’ policies can cover damage caused by rioting.  

However, this will depend on the type of policy you have in place and the coverage you’ve opted for.  

For example, home insurance or commercial buildings insurance policyholders may be able to claim for structural damage via their insurer. There may be exceptions to this coverage, though, such as personal items if they’re left outside of the home or if you’ve invalidated your insurance by leaving your doors unlocked and windows open.  

For car insurance policyholders, many comprehensive policies can sometimes cover damages caused by rioting. However, if you’ve opted for third-party only, you won’t be able to make a claim. 

Even if your insurer rejects your claim or you don’t have adequate coverage to tackle any repairs due to damage caused by rioting, all is not lost.  

That’s where the Riot Compensation Act comes in. 

What is the Riot Compensation Act 2016? 

The Riot Compensation Act 2016 helps people and businesses recover financially if they suffer damage or loss due to a riot. It provides compensation for personal and commercial property owners whose property is damaged or stolen during rioting. The main goal is to help communities and businesses bounce back quickly after such a turbulent time.  

If you don’t have the correct coverage for your home or commercial building, you may be able to claim under the Riot Compensation Act.  

However, if you are insured, you must first make a claim directly via your insurer and can only claim under the act if your insurance claim is partially or fully rejected.  

Not all indirect losses are covered, so you might not get compensated for all damages and losses caused by rioting. 

What can I claim on my insurance if my vehicle or property is damaged in a riot? 

What you can claim for will vary. The type of claim you can make depends on your insurance policy, insurer, and chosen coverage.  

However, we’ve cross-referenced the most common types of insurance policies and coverage in order to give you a summary of what to expect.  

Here’s a breakdown of what you may be able to claim for on your insurance if you experience damage or loss from rioting: 

Car Insurance. 

Comprehensive cover usually covers riot damage as it is the most extensive policy. The various types of damage you can claim will always depend on the insurer and policy you’ve opted for. 

Third-party, Fire, and Theft does not cover riot damage to your car. It only covers damage to others and your vehicle if it’s stolen or caught fire. Third-party only is the minimum legally required cover, but it will not cover any damage to your own car, including damage from riots. 

Home Insurance. 

Most standard home insurance and buy-to-let policies cover structural damage to your property caused by riots. This includes damage to the building itself and sometimes your belongings inside. Check your policy details for any exceptions.  

Business Insurance. 

Your business insurance can often cover damage or loss resulting from riots. For example, if shop or restaurant insurance policyholders have their premises damaged during a riot, building insurance will usually help pay for structural repairs. As for the furniture, equipment and stock, the contents cover should be able to foot the bill for replacing or fixing them. If a business has to shut up shop temporarily due to rioting, business interruption cover can sort out lost income and expenses resulting from your business being out of action. 

What should I do if riots damage my property or vehicle? 

At the moment, it’s clear that for insurers and brokers alike, the main focus is you, our customers. If you experience loss of damage as a result of rioting, we recommend that you take the following steps: 

• Report the incident to the police. Let them know about any damage or loss, and keep a note of the crime reference number they provide you with. 

• Check your policy documents. You’ll need to see what your policy can and cannot cover and if there are any terms and conditions. 

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claim process. 

• Document the damage. Take photos, and gather any doorbell camera footage or CCTV videos to support your claim. 

• Keep Receipts if you need to make emergency repairs or replace items immediately in case you can be reimbursed as part of your claim. 

The outlook may seem bleak if you’ve been watching the events unfold on the news, but there is always help and support available.

We want to let you know there are plenty of resources out there if you need help with making a claim or understanding your insurance. Rest assured that our team is here to answer any questions during this turbulent time, simply contact our customer service team at 01782880140 with any enquiries