The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has advised those affected by the riots to get in touch with their insurers immediately.

Any business that has suffered an attack must report the matter to the police and insurers straight away, the organisation has said.

Under the Riot Damages Act 1886, local police authorities have a legal responsibility to reimburse those who have sustained damage to property as a result of a riot, said BHETA, but any claim under the Act must be made in writing and received by the authority within 14 days of an incident.

The organisation believes it is likely insurers will include a clause requiring that they are notified regarding claims for riot and/or civil commotion within seven days of the incident.

Businesses must be able to quantify and substantiate any losses, and this is likely to be by both a schedule of loss and statement of truth within a week of the incident.

The Act does allow for applications for an extension, but the decision to provide this rests with the local police authority alone, said BHETA.

The organisation says it has been advised that applications for extension are likely to be resisted in view of government cuts, although the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has urged the Home Secretary to extend the claims period to 42 days.

The Act also excludes liability for loss of damage to cars left on public highways, goods left in shops for repair and /or consequential losses.

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