Sky News reported a few days ago (7 August) that over 100 events were being monitored by police forces across the country, following riots in numerous UK towns and cities.
Riot is a standard peril in most property insurance, but if you have clients who may not have Riot Cover, you may need to provide them with some information on their options should their property or business be affected by riots.
What is the Riot Compensation Act?
The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. It is designed to allow communities to recover quickly from the impact of rioting.
If your property is not adequately insured, you can claim compensation under the RCA from the local police claims authority.
To qualify for compensation, victims must demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot. Don’t forget there is a legal definition of a riot – which is where the expression ‘reading the riot act’ comes from!
Not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation under the RCA. We’ve shared some basic information below on how to claim from the Police & Crime Commissioner for the Area.
For more detailed guidance, download this
Government Guidance document
.
What can I claim?
If you hold insurance for property that is damaged or stolen in a riot, you must claim via your insurance company first.
You can only submit an RCA claim for these items if all or part of your insurance claim is rejected.
If you are an owner of a building affected by a riot, you can claim for damage to the building’s structure.
If you are a tenant/occupier of an address affected by a riot, you can claim for your damaged/stolen contents.
You can also 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 held outside of a building
consequential loss e.g. loss of trade or rent
personal injury - this is dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
How do I claim?
If your property is damaged or stolen in a riot, you should first report the crime to the police.
If your home is uninhabitable, contact the claims authority about alternative accommodation payments.
If your damaged or stolen property is insured, make a claim with your insurance company. If your damaged or stolen property is not insured, or if your insurer confirms you are not fully or adequately covered, visit
GOV.UK
to access the RCA claim form.
Send your claim to the claims authority in the area where the riot happened. You will likely also need to send supporting documentation to the claims authority.
Deadlines and supporting evidence
Claim Deadlines
You have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date the riot ends. If you make an insurance claim first, you have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date your insurer tells you that you are not fully covered.
Supporting evidence
You will need to show evidence of the losses you are claiming for. This may include:
receipts
purchase invoices
bank statements
financial records
photographic evidence
building estimates
surveyor’s report
letter from insurer
loss adjuster report
Further details and supporting evidence can be submitted separately and after the claim, but this must be within 90 days of the date your RCA claim is received. Flexibility on these deadlines will be given in exceptional circumstances.
Further information and contact details
For claims authority contact details, please contact the police force for the geographical area where the riot took place.
For immediate and emergency help after a riot, look for notices in the local press, local authority internet sites and information about private sector schemes, which will be advertised.
For information about alternative accommodation claims if your home is uninhabitable after a riot, contact the claims authority if your insurance does not cover such costs.
As always, Forum Insurance is always on hand to provide you with advice and help. You can send us an email at
info@foruminsurance.com
or call us on 0208 909 2899.
