LV= is referring some automatic quotes in riot hit roads to commercial branches as a precautionary measure.

One concern is that brokers could ask for quotes next to properties that have suffered structural damage from the riots from fires or vandalism.

However, the spokesman dismissed speculation it was freezing new business in riot hit areas, stressing the insurer was definitely writing new business.

A spokesman said: “In roads specifically affected by riots we have asked that some commercial risks are referred to the branch rather than automatically quoted on so we can check the business/property hasn’t been affected by the riot, but that’s all so, its business as usual and there is no change to underwriting criteria or anything else.”