The Riots a year on …

Calls for reforms to Riot Damages Act (1986)

The insurance industry is seeking Government reform to the Riot Damages Act (1886).  Whilst  Insurers have settled or paid against the vast majority of claims, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) claim that over half of the claims submitted by Insurers to police authorities under the Riot Damages Act have been declined.

The ABI is seeking changes to the Act from the Government to simplify, speed up and improve the claims process.  They are requesting that the following be reviewed:

1. A clear, more modern legislative definition of a riot so victims in different geographical locations are not treated differently.  (In some areas, claims were made under the Act that were declined by police authorities as they did not see events as constituting a riot.)

2. The claims process for local police authorities to be streamlined and standardised.

3. The time period for notification of claims under the Riot Damages Act to be extended from 14 to 90 days.

The Association of British Insurers, report that its members experienced 3,000 riot claims and that Policyholders will receive around £200 million in compensation.