Following a claim for damage caused by an insured building in a riot, from whom does the insurer have a statutory right to recover some or all of its outlay?

In the context of a claim for damage caused by an insured building during a riot, the insurer has a statutory right to recover some or all of its outlay, specifically from the Police Authority. This recovery process is grounded in the principle that public authorities, such as the Police, have a duty to maintain order and prevent situations that may lead to damages during civil disturbances.

According to the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, local authorities can be held responsible for damages arising from riots because they are expected to provide adequate policing to prevent such occurrences. Therefore, when an insurer pays out a claim for property damage due to riot-related activities, it may seek recompense from the Police Authority based on their obligations to manage public order effectively.

The other options do not align with the specific statutory provisions governing recoveries related to riot damages. For instance, while the local authority has certain responsibilities, it is the Police Authority that is specifically charged with maintaining public order during riots. The policyholder and the rioters themselves do not offer avenues for statutory recovery in this context. The insured individual may hold their own policy and can claim against it, but the insurer's statutory right is distinct and specifically tied to public authorities like the Police.