Riot Damaged Cars May Not Get Insurance Pay Out

The London riots which have spread to many other cities and towns in the UK have often seen damage to cars as well as property. A lot of cars have been burned and destroyed as well as others having windscreens smashed and other damage done to them.

Owners of these cars may just assume that they can claim the damage on tehir insurance policy, but it will actually depend on tehir specific policy. Not all insurance policies will cover this sort of damage and so some car owners may find that they are not entitled to get any money at all.

It is important to make a claim as soon as possible. It may be difficult to think about making a claim when you might be in shock about  what has happened. However, some insurance companies have rulings on how soon a claim must be made and if it is not made on time, then you may find that they will not pay out. This will be the case if the vehicle is only covered under the third party, fire and theft cover and so it is important to get in touch with your insurers as soon as possible to check the details.

If your insurance does not cover you, then it may be possible to be able to make a claim to the police through the Riots (Damages) Act 1886 but you will have to make that claim within 14 days of the damage being caused. There has been a request for this time period to be extended, but it is best just to get on and make the claim as soon as you can.