The "gilets jaunes" or the yellow vest movement: damage and compensation

Blocked roads, burned vehicles, shops vandalized and looted, the damage list is long.

The human toll, between demonstrators, policemen and motorists, amounts to 2 deaths and more than 800 wounded.

* Figures provided by the French Interior Minister

Looting and vandalism: the demonstrations of the yellow vests degenerated

In the capital, the situation turned into chaos on the Champs-Elysées during the demonstration of 24 November 2018. The yellow vests have faced the police forces for long hours. Robbers and looters attacked the shops. Luxury boutiques such as Givenchy and Dior have undergone significant degradation in addition to thefts of precious objects and jewellery.

It will take a long time to establish the final toll of the losses. Already, the damage amounts to several hundred thousand euros according to the authorities.

Yellow vest movement: a major impact on economy

The troubles have impacted the small businesses and the mass distribution which, for the city of Paris alone, would have lost 35% of its turnover on Saturday 17 November and 18% on Saturday 24 November.

In the regions, demonstrations have caused the breakdown of several production chains. In the Gard, the blockage by the yellow vests of several roundabouts leading to the industrial zone interrupted the production of the Royal Canine plant as from 20 November 2018. The factory's employees found themselves in technical unemployment as of 22 November 2018.

Yellow vest movement: damage compensation

The damage caused by the rioters will be costly. Damage to public property will be reimbursed by the State. This damage mainly concerns the infrastructures: destruction of construction barriers, electrical panels, traffic signs, etc.

Compensation of riots and civil commotions

The losses caused by riots and civil commotions are different from those caused by the forces of nature. In principle, to be reimbursed, an insured must have previously underwritten the specific riots and civil commotions cover. Motorists covered by third party liability insurance will not be compensated. Only those holders of the motor own damage insurance will be eligible for compensation.

Regarding real property for residential use, the latter are covered by the compulsory homeowner's insurance which includes a riots and civil commotions component.

Compensation for damages caused to businesses, shops and other real property, is linked to the underwriting of an additional cover of riots and civil commotions provided generally in the fire contracts.