Overview

In light of the recent rioting taking place across the UK this note explores the general legal position in relation to compensation. Reference is made to the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 and its implications as well as more recent case law.

For businesses affected by the recent riots, the following guidance is given:

● Review your insurance policy's terms and conditions.
● The ABI has written to the Home Secretary requesting that she instruct the police to issue a direction stating that the compensation claim notification period under the Act is extended from 14 to 42 days.
● The impact of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which allows the government to impose a wide range of emergency powers, may need to be considered if rioting continues for any length of time or gets worse; however, it seems unlikely that this will provide a rapid response to the present level of disorder.

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