Monday night's unrest on 12 October left more than broken glass behind. Vehicles were set alight in Barkly and elsewhere, and plenty of owners woke on Tuesday to a scorched or dented car and one urgent question: will my insurance pay?

The honest answer depends on two things. The type of cover you hold, and the small print inside it.

Third party: your car is on its own

Under the Road Traffic Act, every vehicle on Mauritian roads must carry at least third party cover. It protects other people: injuries you cause, and damage to their vehicles or property.

It does nothing for your own car. If yours was damaged during the unrest and you hold third party only, there is no claim to make on your policy.

Comprehensive: closer, but check the wording

Comprehensive cover adds protection for your own vehicle. A typical local policy pays out for collision, fire, theft and malicious damage.

Here is the catch. Plenty of international guides say comprehensive policies cover riot damage as standard. In Mauritius, that is not a safe assumption. Some local policies cover malicious damage but list strike, riot and civil commotion among their exclusions. Terrorism clauses can be broad too, sometimes reaching acts linked to roadblocks or disruption of public services.

Riot, strike and civil commotion cover is often available as an extension for an extra premium. If it appears on your policy schedule, you are in a far stronger position. If it does not, a claim for a car burned or smashed this week may be contested, even under a comprehensive policy.

The only way to know is to read your schedule or ring your insurer today.

Your claims checklist

If your car was damaged, move quickly. Local policies set tight deadlines, and missing them can sink a claim.

• Report it to the police straight away and keep the reference number.

• Notify your insurer promptly. Many policies require notice within a few days and full written details soon after.

• Photograph everything: the damage, the number plate, the location and the surroundings.

• Get repair quotes, but do not book repairs until your insurer authorises them. Your insurer may reserve the right to choose the garage.

• Avoid driving a damaged car. Any further damage may not be covered.

• Keep your policy schedule, towing receipts and every piece of correspondence together.

Ask the question before you need the answer

This was the worst unrest Mauritius has seen since 1999, and nobody expects a repeat soon. But cover only helps if it is in place before trouble starts.

AtAutoCloud.mu, we can help you get a motor insurance quote that spells out exactly what is covered, riot and civil commotion included. Ask now, while your car is still in one piece.