Insurance policies should cover a lot of the damages caused by the recent spate of riots in England.
According to the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA), people who have been affected by the turmoil should speak to their insurance broker as soon as possible. They should find that they are covered for damage from fire or attacks, as well as any problems with looting.
Some policies will also help people cover the cost of alternative accommodation if they are unable to stay in their homes.
Graeme Trudgill, BIBA's head of corporate affairs, commented, “We want to do everything we can to help those affected. It is important for people to contact their insurance broker to arrange for immediate help and support and to make the affected property as secure as possible."
Meanwhile, business insurance policies should normally cover companies for damage to their premises. But the financial costs of interruption to trading is also generally covered by insurers, while some will even cover those businesses that have been forced to close down in anticipation of trouble, even if they have ultimately not been attacked.
Steve Foulsham, technical services manager from BIBA, remarked, “The majority of insurance providers operate a 24 hour claims line and can help people arrange for emergency repairs and the damage to be inspected as quickly as possible.”
