Civil Commotion

Updated: 07 May 2026

What Does Civil Commotion Mean?

Civil commotion refers to violent actions carried out by a large group of people, which can lead to loss or damage to human lives and property. Insurance may offer coverage for loss or damage caused by civil commotion as an additional protection.

Insuranceopedia Explains Civil Commotion

Civil commotion can occur in the form of a riot or a political protest that escalates into a disturbance, disrupting peace and order. The violence associated with civil commotion can result in harm to people and property. Businesses near the disturbance are often hit, which is one reason owners review the types of commercial property insurance available for building, contents, and stock.

Some insurance policies exclude coverage for losses and damages caused by civil commotion. As a result, the insured may want to seek additional coverage specifically for this risk. Coverage for civil commotion damage isn’t standard across every carrier, so it’s one of the details to check when comparing the best homeowners insurance companies.