A fire in Worcester has spread from a nearby shop to cause damage to three vehicles stored on the forecourt of a car dealership.
A 35-year-old man is currently being held by police in connection with the incident. Reports state that a blaze began outside a convenience store on Bromyard Road, before the flames spread to damage a house next door to the shop, a car in front of the shop, and three cars belonging to the Hylton Nissan dealership that sat adjacent.
The unfortunate event illustrates that combined motor trade insurance is not just important for self-contained incidents – it also provides cover for events outside of the motor trader’s control. The fire might have been completely accidental or could have been a malicious attempt to damage a neighbouring shop, but as long as the car dealership had cover for the vehicles it stored on site it will still be covered for the costs of the blaze.
The business will have also required other elements of a combined motor trade insurance policy - including public liability, property and contents cover - in case the fire had spread to the main building. Business interruption cover is also worthwhile; this could cover a loss of profits should the dealership face a prolonged closure as a result of the fire.
According to Worcester News, local residents had to be evacuated as several buildings and cars went up in flames. Police and firefighters were called to extinguish the fire at 1.30am on Monday 11 August.
Police say they are now investigating the incident further but the arrested man is being question on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the fire.
