17 April 2025
Protecting your property against strikes, riots, and civil commotion
Strikes, riots and civil commotion (SRCC) are an increasing reality, not a remote risk. From high streets to industrial hubs, property owners across the UK are increasingly exposed to the threat of social unrest. Whether sparked by political protests, economic instability or local grievances, these events can lead to significant damage and even greater financial loss.
Including SRCC cover in your property insurance is essential to protect your investment and ensure a swift recovery should the unexpected occur.
How to protect your property against SRCC risks
Property owners can take a number of proactive steps to reduce exposure to SRCC events:
- Check your insurance policy
· Ensure that your property insurance policy includes SRCC coverage (it is not always standard). Review the policy details to understand the extent of coverage and any exclusions that may apply.
· Consider additional coverage options, such as business interruption insurance, to protect against loss of income during periods when the property is uninhabitable or operations are disrupted.
2. Assess your risk
· Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities specific to your property and location. This can help in tailoring your insurance coverage and risk management strategies.
· Develop a contingency plan that outlines steps to take before, during, and after an SRCC event. This plan should include communication strategies, evacuation procedures, and roles and responsibilities for property management staff.
3. Strengthen security
· Invest in robust security systems, including surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and secure access controls, to deter potential vandalism or unauthorised entry during civil disturbances.
· Consider hiring security personnel or increasing security presence during periods of heightened risk.
· Regularly maintain and inspect the property to ensure it is in good condition and can withstand potential damage from SRCC events.
Fortify vulnerable areas, such as windows and doors, with protective barriers or shatter-resistant materials to minimise damage.
4. Keep accurate records:
· Keep detailed records of the property’s condition, including photographs and inventory lists, to facilitate insurance claims in the event of damage.
· Document all security measures and risk management strategies implemented to demonstrate proactive efforts in mitigating risks.
5. Stay connected locally:
· Engage with local community groups and authorities to stay informed about potential risks and developments in the area.
· Participate in community initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reducing the likelihood of civil unrest.
By taking these steps, as a property owner, you can enhance your property’s resilience against SRCC events, minimise potential losses, and ensure a quicker recovery in the aftermath of such incidents.
The benefits of SRCC cover
The right insurance coverage can help mitigate financial and operational impacts. Here’s what SRCC protection offers:
- Protection against property damage: Real estate properties are significant investments that can suffer extensive damage during strikes, riots, or civil commotions. SRCC cover provides financial protection against such damages, ensuring that property owners can repair and restore their assets without bearing the full financial burden.
- Protecting rental income: For landlords, rental income is a critical revenue stream. SRCC events can lead to property damage that renders units uninhabitable, resulting in lost rental income. With SRCC cover, landlords can receive compensation for lost income during the repair period, helping to stabilise their financial situation.
- Preservation of property value: Damage from civil disturbances can negatively impact the market value of real estate. SRCC cover facilitates timely repairs and restoration, preserving the property's value and preventing long-term depreciation.
- Comprehensive risk management: Including SRCC cover in real estate insurance policies ensures a holistic approach to risk management. This coverage addresses potential threats from social unrest, complementing other protections such as fire, theft, and natural disaster coverage.
Consider reviewing your insurance policy
With SRCC risks becoming more frequent and complex, it’s important to make sure your insurance cover reflects current realities. Reviewing your policy can help you:
- Close coverage gaps, particularly for SRCC, which may not be automatically included.
- Tailor protection to your property’s location, use, and risk profile.
- Ensure your policy remains aligned with today’s evolving threat landscape, from local unrest to broader geopolitical instability.
Common exclusions in SRCC cover
While the SRCC cover offers important protection, certain exclusions may apply:
- War and Terrorism: Many SRCC policies exclude damages resulting from acts of war or terrorism. These are typically covered under separate war risk or terrorism insurance policies.
- Nuclear Risks: Damage caused by nuclear reactions, radiation, or radioactive contamination is generally excluded from SRCC coverage.
- Confiscation or Seizure: Losses due to the confiscation, seizure, or destruction of property by government or public authorities are often excluded.
- Intentional Acts: Damages resulting from intentional acts by the insured or their representatives are typically not covered.
- Indirect Losses: Some policies may exclude indirect losses, such as loss of market or loss of use, unless specifically covered under business interruption insurance.
- Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or maintenance issues are generally not covered under SRCC policies.
- Cyber Events: Losses resulting from cyber-attacks or cyber-related incidents may be excluded unless specifically included in the policy.
It's important for policyholders to carefully review their insurance policies and discuss any potential exclusions with their insurance broker or provider to ensure they have a clear understanding of what is and isn't covered under their SRCC coverage. This ensures informed decisions around any additional cover needed to fully protect your assets.
Conclusion
SRCC cover is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s a critical protection in today’s unpredictable climate. It remains a key feature of a resilient real estate insurance policy, offering protection against property damage, securing rental income and maintaining long-term asset value. As the risk landscape evolves, regularly reviewing your cover helps ensure your investments stay protected.
In addition to traditional insurance solutions, clients can benefit from more strategic support through Gallagher’s wider capabilities. AnotherDay, a Gallagher company, is a specialist consultancy firm working with insurers on strategic risk advisory encompassing cyber threats, geopolitical intricacies and climate change implications. The AnotherDay teamwork in conjunction with Gallagher’s core insurance broking businesses as a complementary risk management and consulting service for clients.
This integrated support helps clients implement and monitor the protections outlined above. It also includes real-time tracking of social and political developments that could trigger SRCC events, with alerts to support timely, preventive action. In the event of disruption, we can provide coordinated recovery support, from documenting damages and preparing insurance claims to managing repair and restoration efforts, helping to minimise downtime and financial impact.
To find out how we can support your risk management strategy, get in touch.
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Arthur J. Gallagher (UK) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: The Walbrook Building, 25 Walbrook, London EC4N 8AW. Registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 119013.