Home insurance companies pledge to pay out for riots damage

The recent UK riots have left many homeowners unsure as to whether they can make insurance claims for damage caused or possessions stolen at their property. Thankfully, insurers have announced that most customers will be successful in their claims for compensation. Zurich, Direct Line and the AA have all confirmed that they will cover home insurance claims for riots.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the cost of the riots is placed at “tens of millions of pounds”. Nick Starling, the director of the ABI, says “We have every sympathy for residents and business owners who have suffered damage to their properties. Insurers will be on hand to answer any queries that they have.”

Affected customers are therefore urged to call their insurers as soon as possible to check what they are entitled to. The ABI have said that most policies should cover fire, looting or damage caused, as well as accommodation costs for those who had to leave their homes.

For those who do not have home insurance, there is still help at hand. According to the 1886 Riot (Damages) Act, the police must compensate residents who have had property damaged or stolen during a period of riots.

Uninsured home owners are advised to make a claim to their local police force. The time limit for these claims has always been 14 days, but the ABI has been consulting with home secretary Theresa May to get this deadline extended to 42 days to allow residents more time.

It is highly likely that insurance companies will pay claims but will themselves recover costs from the police too. Grahame Trudgill, the head of corporate affairs for the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (Biba) has said the police may be forced to pay out to insurance companies for “effectively failing to keep law and order”.