A burning car set alight during the second night of civil disturbances in central Birmingham, England, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011. Britain began flooding London's streets with 16,000 police officers Tuesday, nearly tripling their presence as the nation feared its worst rioting in a generation would stretch into a fourth night. The violence has turned buildings into burnt out carcasses, triggered massive looting and spread to other UK cities. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)
The fatal shooting of a man by officers at the Metropolitan Police Service on August 4, 2011 has resulted in a series of riots in London, England. The damage, which includes arson, burglary, and looting is causing major liabilities resulting in claims for the insurance industry.
Recently, the UK insurance industry has welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement that the Riot Act police compensation schemes will operate as normal and has promised to use its expertise to help the government and police authorities implement the scheme, stated a media release.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) also welcomed the PM’s agreement to its request to extend to the maximum of 42 days the amount of time claims can be made under the scheme.
The announcement came as the ABI revised its estimated figure of claims likely to be paid out by the insurance industry to be in excess of 200 million pounds (approximately CDN$320 million).
“The insurance industry is already paying out claims to people with insurance, but wants to do more to support the government in helping people get back on their feet,” said Otto Thoresen, director general of the ABI. “It is important that, after the sad events of recent days, we do everything we can to help people recover.”
The UK insurance industry has offered the government the following help so the police compensation schemes can run effectively:
Meanwhile, anyone travelling to Britain is encouraged to obtain life and health insurance policies.
Specifically, the Foreign Ministry in Riga recommended earlier this week that Latvians refrain from travelling to several London neighbourhoods affected by the wave of looting and rioting. Also, the British embassies of Sweden and Denmark urged citizens to be vigilant and keep an eye on local media and British websites for safety updates. The Finnish Embassy warned that moving from one place to another in problem areas could be “extremely difficult.”
Vancouver riot update
Some small businesses damaged during the Stanley Cup riot in Vancouver on June 15 have been given cheques to help pay for repairs not covered by insurance.
The Vancouver Restoration Fund handed out $20,000 earlier this week, with varying amounts going to nine groups, including a restaurant, a music store and art gallery.
The fund, which is considering claims from other businesses, was set up after the riot with contributions from corporate sponsors such as Telus and VanCity Savings.
One of those getting a cheque Wednesday was the owner of Da Gino Ristorante, Francesco Caligiuri.
He said he and his family felt very alone the night his windows were smashed and they were barricaded inside, and to see this support is a nice turnaround and his family is very thankful.
In addition to the businesses, Holy Rosary Cathedral also got a cheque to help repair windows smashed by rioters after the Vancouver Canucks lost game seven of the Stanley Cup final to Boston.
With files from The Canadian Press
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