Does Business Insurance Cover Riot Damage in the UK?

Business Insurance

Business insurance protects your business against unexpected events. Many business owners are unsure if their policy covers unrest affecting shops, offices, or warehouses. 

In the UK, standard business insurance normally covers riots, civil commotion, and malicious damage. It protects physical assets such as buildings, stock, and equipment, and can cover financial losses from business interruption.

What Does the Cover Usually Include?

Each cover is different based on the needs of the business. It is essential to check what is and is not included. This helps you understand the protection you are getting.

Business Interruption Cover:

Business interruption insurance protects financial stability when operations stop due to riot damage:

  • Covers loss of income caused by property damage.
  • Pays for lost profits and fixed running costs during the period of disruption.
  • Provides cover for the time period specified in your policy after the incident.

Cover Your Business Today!

Get a free quote today and protect your business with Cubit Insurance.

Contents and Stock Insurance

Contents and stock insurance protect assets stored at the premises, including:

  • Equipment and machinery damaged during the riots.
  • Goods and stock lost through theft or destruction.
  • Cover for looting or malicious damage to business property.

Property Damage Cover:

Property insurance covers damage to business premises, including:

  • Repairs for fire, vandalism, or structural damage caused by riots.
  • Replacement or repair of broken windows, doors, and fixtures.
  • Cover for fitted furniture and permanent installations.

Additional Extensions

  • Some policies offer optional cover, such as:

    • Denial of access insurance for situations where the police block or restrict entry to your premises during riots.
    • Non-damage business interruption covers lost income, even if your building is not damaged but your business is still affected by the unrest.

    Not all policies include these features, so businesses should review the terms carefully.

Exclusions You Should Know

  • Not all policies cover everything. Some common exclusions are:

    • Damage caused by war or terrorism (unless you buy separate cover)
    • Gradual wear and tear or lack of maintenance
    • Losses if the property is left unoccupied beyond the allowed period
    • Deliberate or illegal acts by the business owner or staff
    • Costs above the policy limit or outside the indemnity period

    Always check the wording of your policy and ask your insurer or broker to explain everything to you.

Cover Riot Damage in the UK

How to Claim for Riot Damage from Your Insurer

If any damage occurs to your property or contents due to riot, take the following steps:

  • Report the incident to the police and get a crime reference number.
  • Contact your insurer as soon as possible to notify them of the damage.
  • Take photos or videos of the damage as evidence.
  • Keep records of damaged stock, equipment, and property.
  • Provide documents such as receipts, invoices, or accounts to support your claim.
  • Cooperate with any loss adjuster appointed by your insurer.

Acting quickly and providing clear evidence helps speed up the claims process.

Riot Compensation Act

  • The Riot Compensation Act (RCA) helps businesses and property owners get back on their feet after riots when their insurance doesn’t cover all of their losses. It lets people make claims for:

    • Structural damage to buildings
    • Damaged or stolen contents and stock, including items in vehicles
    • Underinsured vehicles damaged or stolen

    The RCA does not cover personal items stored outside the building, loss of trade or rent, or personal injuries. Businesses must show that a riot caused the damage or loss, and not all incidents during civil disturbances qualify for compensation.

How Cubit Insurance Can Help

Cubit Insurance offers customised business insurance covering property, contents, and interruption risks, including riot-related damage. Our team reviews your business needs and helps you choose the best cover. We also help you through the claims process and provide clear advice on additional extensions, such as denial of access cover. Cubit Insurance provides practical support and clear guidance to keep your business protected.

Need some expert advice?

Let our friendly team help you find the right insurance at the best price to suit your needs.

Keep Your Insurance Up to Date

Review your insurance policy often to make sure it covers damage from riots. Update the cover when you change premises, increase stock, or expand business activities. Check policy limits to make sure they match the current value of your assets. Speak with your insurer to identify gaps and add extensions if needed. Keeping your policy updated gives your business reliable protection.

Conclusion

Most business insurance policies in the UK cover damage from riots. Property, contents, and stock cover protect against physical loss, while business interruption safeguards income. Optional extensions provide you with even more protection. Keep your policy updated and contact Cubit Insurance to make sure your business has the right level of cover.

Need some expert advice?

Let our friendly team help you choose the right insurance for you!

Our team is here to help

Contact Us

Let Cubit Insurance find insurance for you at an affordable price. Our expert team will evaluate your needs and suggest the best policy right for you.