If your home or business in Rhode Island or the Boston, MA area is damaged during a riot or civil unrest, will your insurance policy cover the loss? The answer depends on the specific terms of your policy and any endorsements you’ve added.
While most standard property insurance policies include coverage for riot-related damage, they often have significant limitations, especially for business interruption. In this article, our Rhode Island property insurance loss attorney outlines what property owners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island need to know about riot damage insurance coverage, common misconceptions, and how to prepare before unrest occurs.
What Does Standard Property Insurance Cover During a Riot?
Most homeowners and commercial property insurance policies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island list riot or civil commotion as a covered peril. This typically includes physical damage caused by vandalism, looting, or destruction during a riot. If your property is damaged under these circumstances, your insurer will likely cover the cost of repairs or replacement, subject to your policy limits and deductibles.
However, coverage can vary significantly depending on your insurer and the specific language in your policy. It’s essential to review your declarations page and any endorsements to understand what is and isn’t included. Some policies may contain exclusions or limitations that could affect your ability to recover fully.
A critical distinction to note is that while physical damage is often covered, business interruption losses are not automatically included. These losses, such as lost income or ongoing expenses during a forced closure, typically require a separate endorsement.
Importantly, under Massachusetts and Rhode Island law, riot damage is generally not excluded under “war” or “terrorism” clauses. While insurers may attempt to invoke these exclusions, courts in these jurisdictions typically do not allow them to override riot coverage.
What Is Business Interruption Insurance and Why Might You Need It?
Many business owners mistakenly believe that their standard commercial property policy will cover income lost due to riot-related closures. In reality, business interruption coverage is usually not included unless you’ve added a specific endorsement.
Without this coverage, you may not be reimbursed for:
- Lost revenue during closure
- Payroll and other ongoing expenses
- Temporary relocation costs
This gap in coverage can be especially harmful for small businesses in urban areas like Providence or Boston, where civil unrest has occurred in recent years. Legal and insurance professionals strongly recommend that business owners in high-risk areas review their policies and consider adding business interruption endorsements to protect against these financial risks.
How to Document Riot Damage for an Insurance Claim
To file a successful insurance claim for riot-related damage, thorough and timely documentation is essential. Insurers typically require the following:
- A police report documenting the incident
- Photographic or video evidence of the damage
- Proof of ownership for damaged or stolen items
- Repair estimates or receipts for completed work
Prompt reporting is critical. Delays in notifying your insurer can result in claim denials. You should also preserve the damaged property for inspection before making repairs, unless immediate action is necessary for safety.
In many cases, insurers will also require you to cooperate with law enforcement investigations. This helps verify the cause and extent of the damage and supports the legitimacy of your claim. Being proactive and organized can significantly improve the speed and success of your claim.
How to Prepare Your Property Before Civil Unrest
Taking proactive steps now can help minimize risk and ensure your insurance coverage is adequate. Consider the following:
- Review your current policy with an insurance broker or legal advisor to confirm coverage for riot and civil commotion.
- Add business interruption endorsements if your property is located in a high-risk area like downtown Boston or Providence.
- Establish a documentation protocol. Maintain digital records of your property, keep an up-to-date inventory, and understand how to file a claim quickly.
- Watch for vague or exclusionary language in your policy. Clarify any uncertainties with your insurer before a loss occurs.
These steps can help you recover more quickly and fully if your property is affected by civil unrest.
Need Help Reviewing Your Riot Damage Coverage?
If you’re unsure whether your Rhode Island or Boston-area property is fully protected against riot damage, PALUMBO LAW can help. We assist property and business owners in reviewing insurance policies, identifying coverage gaps, and navigating complex claims. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your coverage meets your needs before a crisis occurs.
