Damage due to riots: Will your home or car insurance pay out?

Riots have been taking place in the UK over the past week, with most of the buildings linked to immigration being targeted. But what are your rights to compensation if your home or car is also damaged?

Violence broke out across the country after three children were murdered in a stabbing attack in Southport on July 29.

Many shops, mosques and immigration centres have been targeted with looting, arson and violence against police and minorities.

Several cars and private homes were also damaged in the riots.

But drivers and homeowners are not guaranteed compensation for any damage caused by riots, as this can be a sensitive subject for insurers.

Although most policies cover riots, some insurers explicitly state that they will not pay claims for damage resulting from riots.

The good news is that if the insurance company doesn’t pay out, the claimant can still seek compensation from the local police or prosecutor’s office. But even that isn’t guaranteed.

Here’s everything you need to know about compensation for vehicle and property damage caused by riots.

Will insurers pay out in the event of riots?

Damage caused by riots is normally covered by car and home contents insurance.

These usually require claimants to notify the police in advance of the loss and obtain a crime reference number, although some insurers exclude this.

For example, the major car insurer Admiral does not pay out damages resulting from riots, nor from other violence such as terrorism and war.

If you have been affected by the riots, it is wise to check your policy terms and conditions to see if you can make a claim with your insurer.

A spokesman for the trade body the Association of British Insurers said: ‘Individuals, homeowners and businesses affected by the recent unrest will understandably be extremely concerned and upset.

‘Physical damage to homes or businesses is covered as standard by most home contents and business insurance policies. Most comprehensive motor insurance policies also cover damage to your car.

‘Insurers realize that this is an extremely stressful time and are doing everything they can to help customers as quickly as possible.’

What happens if my insurer does not pay for riot damage?

If your insurer is unwilling to pay your riot claim due to exclusions in your policy, you can make a claim for compensation through your local Police and Crime Commissioner.

This also applies if you do not have home insurance, or if you have third-party motor insurance that does not cover damage to your vehicle.

There are 14 PCCs in England and Wales, and their job is to oversee policing in their area. In London, the PCC equivalent is the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime.

The first step is to report lost or damaged items to the police.

Then file a claim under the Riot Compensation Act, which can be done online.

Your PCC will then assess your claim and may pay you cash, arrange repairs at your own expense or reject the claim.

If your PCC believes that you have not taken sufficient steps to prevent riot damage, for example through poor security, the PCC may reject or reduce payment of a claim.