David Cameron has promised that the government will pay out for any legitimate claims from the rioting.

The PM said the Association of British Insurers now expected the cost of claims to be around £200m.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Cameron said: "On repairing the damages, I can confirm that any individual, homeowner or business that has suffered damage to or loss of their buildings or property as a result of rioting, can seek compensation under the Riot Damages Act, even if uninsured."

The police would get all the funding they needed to meet the cost of claims, Cameron added.

Cameron also extended the deadline for claims to be received from 14 to 42 days.

Biba head of corporate affairs Graeme Trudgill told Insurance Times: "The spotlight is on the industry now. We are going to do everything we can to help people and businesses."

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