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Riot compensation: quick guide for claimants (accessible)

Updated 25 March 2019

Has your home or business been affected by a riot?

Learn how the government is making it easier for you to claim back damages.

What is the Riot Compensation Act 2016?

The Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA) gives victims of criminal damage or loss during a riot the right to compensation. It is designed to allow communities to recover quickly from the impact of rioting.

If your property is not adequately insured you can claim compensation under the RCA from the local police claims authority.

In order to qualify for compensation victims must demonstrate that the damage or loss they have suffered was as a result of a riot.

Not all instances of damage or loss that occur during a period of civil disturbance will meet the criteria for compensation under the RCA.

This leaflet contains basic information on how to claim.

For more detailed guidance visit GOV.UK.

What can I claim?

If you hold insurance for property that is damaged or stolen in a riot, you must claim via your insurance company first.

You can only submit an RCA claim for these items if all or part of your insurance claim is rejected.

If you are an owner of a building affected by a riot, you can claim for damage to the building’s structure.

If you are a tenant/occupier of an address affected by a riot, you can claim for your damaged/stolen contents.

You can also claim for damaged or stolen:

• business items stored in a vehicle
• stock-in-trade vehicles
• underinsured vehicles

The RCA does not cover:

• personal items held outside of a building
• consequential loss e.g. loss of trade or rent
• personal injury - this is dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

How do I claim?

1. Your property is damaged or stolen in a riot.

2. Report the crime to the police.

3. If your home is uninhabitable contact the claims authority about alternative accommodation payments.

4. If your damaged or stolen property is insured, make a claim with your insurance company.

5. If your damaged or stolen property is not insured, or if your insurer confirms you are not fully covered, visit GOV.UK to access the RCA claim form.

6. Send your claim to the claims authority in the area that the riot happened.

7. Send supporting documentation to the claims authority.

Deadlines and supporting evidence

Claim Deadlines

You have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date the riot ends If you make an insurance claim first, you have 42 days to make your RCA claim from the date your insurer tells you that you are not fully covered

Supporting evidence

You will need to show evidence of the losses you are claiming for.

This may include:

• receipts
• purchase invoices
• bank statements
• financial records
• photographic evidence
• building estimates
• surveyor’s report
• letter from insurer
• loss adjuster report

Further details and supporting evidence can be submitted separately and after the claim, but this must be within 90 days from the date your RCA claim is received.

Flexibility on these deadlines will be given in exceptional circumstances.

Further information and contact details

For claims authority contact details please contact the police force for the geographical area where the riot took place.

For immediate and emergency assistance after a riot look for notices in the local press, local authority internet sites and information about private sector schemes, which will be advertised.

For information about alternative accommodation claims if your home is uninhabitable after a riot, contact the claims authority if your insurance does not cover such costs.

For more detailed guidance and to access the RCA claim form visit GOV.UK