What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims? Rioting has left many businesses with physical damage, lost income, and operational challenges. If your business has been affected, it’s crucial to understand the time limits for filing riot insurance claims. Meeting these deadlines is essential to ensure that your claims are processed efficiently and you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. This article will guide you through the critical timeframes and deadlines for both standard insurance claims and claims under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA) 2016.
Fast Facts: What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims?
There are important time limits for filing riot insurance claims:
- For standard insurance claims:
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- Most insurers require claims for riot damage to be notified promptly, usually within seven days
- Supporting documentation should also be provided within this timeframe
- For claims under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA):
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- Claimants have 42 days after the end of a riot to notify the Claims Authority of a claim
- There is then an additional 90 days from the date the Claims Authority receives notification to submit supporting documentation
- For insurance claims that are declined:
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- If an insurance claim is refused wholly or partly after the 42-day RCA deadline has expired, claimants then have 42 days from the date of the insurer’s formal refusal letter to submit an RCA claim
- For riots occurring over multiple days:
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- The 42-day period starts from the last day of the riot
- If there is a gap of 24 hours or more between riots, they are treated as separate events with their own deadlines
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- Late claims may be accepted under exceptional circumstances, but supporting evidence must be provided to justify the delay
It’s crucial for affected individuals and businesses to act quickly to meet these deadlines. Failing to notify insurers within the set timeframe may result in rejected claims. The tight timescales and specific claim format requirements under the RCA make it essential to submit claims as soon as possible to preserve the right to compensation.
What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims?
Time Limits for Standard Insurance Claims
For businesses that have suffered damage due to riots, filing a claim with your insurer should be one of your top priorities.
Here are the critical deadlines you need to be aware of:
- Prompt Notification: Most insurers require that you notify them of any damage caused by riots within seven days of the incident. This prompt reporting is essential for your claim to be considered valid.
- Supporting Documentation: In addition to the initial notification, you must submit all supporting documentation—such as photos, videos, police reports, and inventory lists—within the same 7-day period. Failing to do so may result in delays or even rejection of your claim.
Read about how businesses can prove that losses were a direct result of riots.
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Time Limits for Claims Under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA) 2016
If your insurance claim is unsuccessful or only partially successful, or if you are uninsured, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Riot Compensation Act (RCA) 2016. The RCA provides compensation for riot-related damages, but strict deadlines apply:
- Notification Deadline: You have 42 days from the end of the riot to notify the Claims Authority of your intent to file a claim under the RCA. This is a non-negotiable deadline; missing it could forfeit your right to compensation.
- Submission of Supporting Documentation: After notifying the Claims Authority, you have an additional 90 days to submit all supporting documentation required for your claim. This gives you time to gather evidence, obtain repair estimates, and provide detailed accounts of the losses incurred.
Handling Insurance Claims That Are Declined
If your standard insurance claim is declined either wholly or in part after the 42-day deadline for the RCA has passed, you may still have an opportunity to seek compensation under the RCA:
- Post-Refusal RCA Claims: In cases where an insurance claim is denied after the RCA’s 42-day notification period, you have 42 days from the date of the insurer’s formal refusal letter to submit a claim under the RCA. This extension allows you to seek compensation through an alternative route if your initial claim is unsuccessful.
Read about what is covered under business Interruption Riot Insurance policies.
Considerations for Riots Spanning Multiple Days
Riots often occur over several days, which can complicate the calculation of deadlines:
Deadline Calculation: The 42-day notification period starts from the last day of the riot. If there is a gap of 24 hours or more between the days of unrest, each period of rioting is treated as a separate event, and new deadlines apply for each.
Exceptional Circumstances for Late Claims
In some cases, businesses may find it challenging to meet these stringent deadlines due to exceptional circumstances:
- Late Claims: Late claims are generally discouraged but may be accepted under exceptional circumstances. However, businesses must provide compelling evidence to justify the delay. This could include situations where the scale of the damage was not immediately apparent or access to the premises was restricted for an extended period.
Conclusion – What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims?
What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims? Meeting the time limits for filing riot-related insurance claims is critical for ensuring your business receives the necessary compensation to recover from the damage. Whether you’re filing a standard insurance claim or seeking compensation under the Riot Compensation Act 2016, acting quickly and providing thorough documentation is essential.
What Are The Time Limits for Filing Riot Insurance Claims – Action Steps for Business Owners
- Notify Your Insurer: Report the riot damage to your insurer within seven days and submit all supporting documentation within this timeframe.
- File RCA Claims Promptly: If pursuing a claim under the Riot Compensation Act, notify the Claims Authority within 42 days of the riot’s end.
- Submit Documentation for RCA Claims: Provide all necessary evidence and documentation to the Claims Authority within 90 days of your notification.
- Respond Quickly to Insurance Refusals: If your insurance claim is denied after the RCA deadline, file an RCA claim within 42 days of the refusal.
- Account for Multi-Day Riots: Calculate your notification period based on the last day of the riot, with separate deadlines for non-consecutive days of unrest.
- Consider Late Claims: If you miss a deadline, gather evidence to justify the delay and consult a professional to explore your options.
By adhering to these time limits and guidelines, UK business owners can better navigate the claims process and secure the compensation needed to rebuild and continue their operations.
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Oakleafe Claims have represented policyholders and managed their insurance claims since before the First World War. We have vast expertise and experience in both domestic and commercial insurance claims, including business interruption claims, and riot claims, with thousands of satisfied policyholders who have received their deserved insurance settlement. With no upfront fees required, our internal data shows that insurance claims managed by professional loss assessors like Oakleafe can expect a settlement up to 40% higher than claims managed by the policyholder.
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