Claiming Compensation for Riots in the UK

Aug. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Under the 1886 Riot (Damages) Act, anyone who has suffered loss or damages caused by a riot can request a payout from their local police authority and furthermore there is no limit on how much can be claimed.

The Prime Minister has confirmed that "Any individual, homeowner or business that has suffered damage to or loss of their buildings or property as a result of rioting, can seek compensation under the Riot Damages Act …. The Government will ensure the police have the funds they need."

What is covered?

•   Damage to property inc. houses and business premises
•   Theft of contents
•   Damage to contents
•   Injury
•   Those uninsured are also covered
•   Those with insurance are also covered
•   Insurers can recover costs of payout

What is not covered?

•   Damage or theft of cars (unless inside a building which was affected)
•   Interruption/trading to business

How long do I have to issue a claim?

Under the Act, the claim is only valid if victims give their details to the police within 14 days.  However, on the advice of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) this deadline has now been extended to 42 days.
A key concern with the 14-day cut-off was that in many cases the properties damaged and destroyed in the riots are currently crime scenes or are entirely unsafe due to structural defects caused by fire, therefore owners are prevented from entering their homes or business premises to assess the damage they have suffered, in turn this means they would have most probably missed the original 14 day deadline given as they may need to collect evidence.

What if I have Insurance?
If you already have insurance in place for your business, property, contents etc you can still make a claim from your local police authority or you can contact your insurer/broker; it's your choice.

It is vital you make your insurance claim as soon as possible, even if it is just an initial call to make them aware of the situation as some policies stipulate a 7 day time limit.  

The ABI and the British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) recommend you make a claim via your insurer or broker.  This is because an insurer/broker are much more experienced in helping you sort out the repairs, and getting in touch with the right experts as they are experienced in dealing with such claims therefore you should consider this as your first point of call.

It is important to note that if you are insured and you make an insurance claim, you can still also seek compensation from the police for an excess (deductions made from a claim) or for uninsured items.

What if I am Un-Insured?

It has emerged that many people affected by the riots were not adequately insured, or their insurance does not cover riot damage and in particular those in more deprived areas did not have any insurance in place at all.  However the good news is you can still make a claim to your local police authority within 42 days of the incident. Please contact your local police authority for advice on claims process.

However it is vitally important to mention that you must successfully demonstrate that the damages and losses caused were directly by the rioting as unsuccessful claimants will bear the cost of the police authority’s solicitor fees!

Other Government help that is available

•   The establishment of a new £20 million support scheme to help affected businesses get back up and running quickly.
•   Local authorities will grant business rate relief, by funding at least three quarters of their costs.
•   The Government will defer tax payments for businesses in greatest need.
•   For houses and businesses most badly damaged, the Government has told the valuation office to immediately stop liability for council tax and business rates.
•   The Government will weed out unnecessary planning regulations to ensure businesses can get repairs done as soon as possible.
•   The Government will meet the immediate costs of emergency accommodation for families made homeless by these disturbances.
•   If you don’t have insurance – Government Social Funds i.e. Interest free Crisis Loans and Budgeting Loans
•   Help from banks i.e. to waive overdraft fees, increase overdraft limits, set up overdrafts, and other help for business customers (contact your bank to find out what they have in place)
•   Charitable organizations may be able to help with advice, counseling and grants.

If you would like further information and FREE advice about making claims please call our Head Office on: (0116) 2999199 or email sameer.karim@d-w-s.co.uk

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