The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is advising those people affected by the recent riots around the UK to speak to their insurance broker as soon as possible so they can assist with their loss.

BIBA advised that most home insurance should cover people for fire, looting or damage and many policies will also cover people for alternative accommodation costs if they cannot stay in their home.

Commercial insurance policies will normally cover businesses for damage to their premises, including the financial loss due to interruption to their business as a result. Some policies will also cover those businesses which are not damaged, but whose trade is affected by the aftermath.

Graeme Trudgill, BIBA’s head of corporate affairs, said: “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.””