UK: A risk excluded under the standard fire policy and other property insurances along with riot and similar perils. It means the severe and prolonged disturbances by people ‘out of hand’. Civil commotion is an intermediate state between a riot and civil war. An element of turbulence or tumult is essential. Riot and civil commotion can be insured as additional perils. The insurer imposes strict time limits for the notification of claims.
***
Damages by riot or civil commotion or caused maliciously by strikers or persons acting in connection with political organization. Civil commotion is disturbance between large number of individuals in a community frequently associated with damage to private and public property.
***
One of the extended coverage perils, paired with the peril riot, that refers to a less widespread or generalized event than riot might be thought to encompass.