According to a report from Sky News on August 7, police forces nationwide are currently monitoring over 100 events following recent riots in various towns and cities across the UK.
Riot coverage is typically included in most property insurance policies. However, if you have clients without Riot Cover, you may need to inform them about their available options if their property or business is impacted by such events.
What is the Riot Compensation Act?
The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) provides a legal right to compensation for those who suffer criminal damage or loss during a riot. This legislation is designed to help communities recover quickly from the effects of rioting.
If your property lacks adequate insurance, you can seek compensation under the RCA from the local police claims authority.
To be eligible, claimants must prove that the damage or loss resulted directly from a riot. It’s important to remember that the term “riot” has a specific legal definition—hence the phrase “reading the riot act.”
Not all damage or loss occurring during civil unrest will qualify for RCA compensation. Below, we provide some basic guidance on how to claim from the Police & Crime Commissioner in your area.
What Can I Claim?
If you have insurance for property that is damaged or stolen during a riot, you must first file a claim with your insurance provider. You may only file an RCA claim for these items if your insurance claim is partially or fully denied. If you own a building affected by a riot, you can claim for structural damage. If you are a tenant or occupier of a property affected by a riot, you can claim for damaged or stolen contents.
Additionally, you can claim for the following if they are damaged or stolen:
- Business items stored in a vehicle
- Stock-in-trade vehicles
- Underinsured vehicles
The RCA does not cover:
- Personal items stored outside of a building
- Consequential loss, such as loss of trade or rent
- Personal injury—this is handled by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
How Do I Claim?
If your property is damaged or stolen in a riot, your first step should be to report the crime to the police. If your home is uninhabitable, contact the claims authority for information on alternative accommodation payments. If your damaged or stolen property is insured, submit a claim with your insurer. If your property is uninsured, or if your insurer confirms that your coverage is inadequate, visit GOV.UK to access the RCA claim form.
Submit your claim to the claims authority in the area where the riot occurred, along with any necessary supporting documentation.
Deadlines and Supporting Evidence
Claim Deadlines
You have 42 days from the end of the riot to submit your RCA claim. If you first make an insurance claim, you have 42 days from the date your insurer informs you of inadequate coverage to file your RCA claim.
Supporting Evidence
You must provide evidence of the losses you are claiming. This may include:
- Receipts
- Purchase invoices
- Bank statements
- Financial records
- Photographic evidence
- Building estimates
- Surveyor’s report
- Letter from your insurer
- Loss adjuster report
Additional details and evidence can be submitted separately within 90 days of your RCA claim being received. Extensions on these deadlines may be granted under exceptional circumstances.
Further Information and Contact Details
For contact details of the claims authority, reach out to the police force in the area where the riot took place. For immediate assistance following a riot, check local press, local authority websites, and information about private sector schemes. For alternative accommodation claims if your home is uninhabitable, contact the claims authority if your insurance does not cover these costs.
