UK Riots August 2011 – Government announces extension to 42 day limit

11 August 2011

David Cameron on behalf of the Government has confirmed this morning in Parliament that the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, police compensation schemes will operate as normal and that the time frame for notifying claims under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 has been relaxed from 14 days to 42 days from the date of damage or injury to property. This is a very welcome concession from the Government and will allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the quantum of the loss to be included on the form.

The Prime Minister commenting on the recent rioting and looting in London and other cities, announced:

• The 14-day time limit to make compensation claims to their local police force under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 will be extended to 42 days
• The Bellwin Scheme will be in operation to support Local Authorities
• To meet any short term funding problems the Government will set up a £10m recovery fund for Local Authorities

Claims under the Riot (Damages) Act

The majority, if not all insurance claims, following the disturbances, will be dealt with under the peril of Riot. While customers who have this cover will have their claims dealt with in the normal manner, there is still a need for these claims to be notified to the insurer within 7 days.

In cases of Riot (as defined by Section 1 of the Public Order Act), certain compensation is available under the provisions of the Riot (Damages) Act, for loss of, or damage to, property. Any such claims are made against the local Police Authority and following todays announcement within 42 days of the damage.

Next steps

For customers in areas affected by the riots we recommend the following actions be undertaken as a matter of urgency:

1. Where it is safe to do so, carry out an immediate investigation and establish any loss or damage - we understand that this may be difficult, but it is better to provide us with as much information as is possible.
2. Advise your Risk and Insurance Consultant or Claims Department of the outcome of the loss and damage assessment and, if appropriate, provide details of the claim to be presented within 7 days of the date of damage or injury.
3. Contact the relevant Police Authority, advising them of the circumstances, nature and extent of the claim to be pursued under the Riot (Damages) Act within 42 days of the date of damage or injury. You will need to provide the Police Authority with the following information:

   (a)the name and address of the claimant;

   (b)the day on and hour at which the injury, stealing, or destruction took place;

   (c)whether the premises are a house, shop, or building, where they are situated, and the nature of the claimant's interest therein;

   (d)the circumstances in which the injury, stealing, or destruction took place, in sufficient detail, to show whether it was committed by persons "riotously and tumultuously assembled together".

4. Once you've completed all the details, London cases should be returned to: The Directorate of Legal Services, Accident Claims, 1st Floor (V), New Scotland Yard, No 8-10 Broadway, LONDON, SW1H 0BG.