ABI demands changes to Riot Damages Act

As the first anniversary of last summer’s riots approaches, the insurance industry is calling on the Government to urgently reform The Riot Damages Act (1886).

According to data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), its members experienced 3,000 riot claims and policyholders will receive around £200 million in compensation.

However, while insurers have settled or paid against the vast majority of claims, over half of claims submitted by insurers to police authorities under the Riot Damages Act have been declined.

The ABI is therefore asking the Government to review the Act to simplify, speed up and improve the claims process.

Proposed changes are as follows:

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.