The Riot (Damages) Act
The Riot (Damages) Act 1886 allows individuals to make a claim
for loss or damage to property or contents (section 2 of the
Act).
Compensation is not available for personal injury,
loss of business or to damage to or theft from property outside
buildings (such as cars parked in the street).
In order to be entitled to make such a claim, they must show
that the loss or damage was a result of a riot (defined as “12 or
more persons who are present together use or threaten to use
violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken
together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness
present to fear for his personal safety”).
Any sum received under an insurance policy will be offset
against any compensation received. There is no cap on the
level of compensation paid out.
Deadline for riot claims
A claim is made to the local police authority within 14 days of
the alleged incident giving rise to the loss or damage.
The Association of British Insurers requested the extension (to
42 days) from the Home Secretary on Tuesday 9th August
2011 and The Prime Minister has agreed to the extension.
Whilst this extension is welcome, the advice is not to delay and
to make the claim to the police authority as soon as possible to
preserve your position.
Contact us today
If you have been a victim of the riots and suffered loss or
damage which you are not sure will be covered by insurance then
contact our specialist Dispute
Resolution solicitors immediately for help. We are
able to offer flexible funding options.