Here's what you need to do if your car, property or home has been damaged by rioters - whether you have insurance or not.
Chaos has erupted across London and now cities outside of the capital are also being disrupted by civil unrest.
Here's what you need to do if you've been affected:
1. Contact your insurance company asap
Most insurers have agreed to pay out for claims caused by rioters - whether they're a result of looting, fire or damage to property. So if your car or home has been damaged in the unrest then you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible make a claim.
The majority of standard home insurance policies are likely to cover claims relating to riot or civil commotion, as are most comprehensive car insurance policies. Depending on your policy your insurer may also cover the cost of alternative accommodation if your home is uninhabitable.
Those with third party, fire and theft cover should be able to claim for any fire-related damage their vehicle incurs (although not any other kind of damage). While those with third-party cover only, are unlikely to be able to claim for any damage whatsoever.
Ultimately, whether you'll be compensated will depend on the exact wording of your insurance policy, but insurers may show leniency as they will be able to recoup any money they pay out in riot-related compensation from the police.
Most insurers will require you to lodge any riot-related claims within 7 days otherwise they won't pay out. This is because they'll need to raise claims for police compensation within 14 days of the riot taking place.
Essentially this means you need to get your claim in as soon as you possibly can if you want to maximise the chance you'll get paid.
The vast majority of insurance companies run a 24 hour helpline so you should be able to get in touch with them whenever you need to.
2. Take photos of any damage
Before you start to clear up any damage caused by rioters you should take photos of the scene. These will support your insurance claim by acting as evidence of the damage incurred for your insurance company.
3. Work out what's missing
If you've lost any of your possessions as a result of looting or fire then you need to make a list of everything that's missing or damaged to give to your insurer.
4. Find receipts
If you're able to find receipts as proof of purchase for any items that have been stolen or damaged as a result of the riots then it'll help to support any claim you raise. Otherwise credit cards or bank statements showing the purchase transaction may be requested by your insurance company.
However, if you don't have either to hand then you should still contact your insurer as they may still be willing to pay out for your claim.
5. Make a police report
Your insurer is likely to request a police incident number if you are placing a claim for items that have been stolen in the riots. As such you're likely to need to contact your local police station to request one.
6. Check whether you're eligible for other financial support
Crisis Loan
If you don't have insurance but your home has been severely damaged then you may be able to apply for a Crisis Loan. These are interest-free loans paid out to help people cope with the cost of an emergency or a disaster if they would otherwise be unable to do so.
You can apply at your nearest Jobcentre Plus and will have to agree a means of paying the money back. Filling out one of these forms in advance (if you're able to do so) will help to speed things up.
Budgeting loans
If you receive certain benefits you may be eligible for an interest free Budgeting Loan to help you cover the cost of furniture, clothing or alternative accommodation should you need to.
Again, you'll need to apply at a Jobcentre Plus (fill in this form in advance if you can) and will have to agree a repayment plan before you'll be granted any money.
