Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a series of initiatives to help retailers recover from the effects of the recent civil unrest.
Whether insured or not, businesses have up to 42 days after the damage occurred to claim compensation under the Riot Damages Act, instead of the usual 14 days.
Other measures include a £20m high street support scheme to aid the speed of recovery; a £10m recovery scheme to support councils in their restoration of local areas; and the meeting of immediate emergency accommodation costs for those made homeless by the riots.
The government will also relax planning regulations so that shops can fit protective shutters more easily; and will also make it possible for local authorities to fund three-quarters of business rate costs for individual companies.
On top of this, the Association Of British Insurers expects the industry to be paying out over £200m.
"Our biggest fear is that otherwise successful retailers are pushed into insolvency by the events of this week," said British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson.
"Suspending business rates on wrecked shops, flexibility on VAT collection and reassurance that shortfalls in insurance cover will be made up will all help substantially minimise that risk. Planning flexibilities on security measures should also extend to rebuilding.
"The retail sector has been battling difficult trading conditions for much of this year and sadly for some shops these attacks will be the final straw. Support for retailers will translate directly into support for employees, and preserve vital local services."
