Waste company sues QBE to settle claim on stolen lorries

A waste management company is demanding QBE pay £100,000 for stolen lorries.

Lancashire-based firm Country Waste Recycling has issued a High Court writ against QBE, accusing the insurer of refusing to pay its claim after two skip lorries and a grab lorry were stolen from its premises.

Country Waste is now suing QBE for the £100,000 payment and interest, or damages for what it claims is a “breach of contract”.

It said it took out a £2m policy with QBE covering the 12 months from November 2006.

According to the writ, three vehicles were stolen from the company’s premises on 4 July.

Country Waste argues that, although it filled in motor theft report forms, QBE wrongfully failed to meet its claim and has not yet paid it any sum of money.

It is now also claiming interest of £15,715.07 as well as further interest running at £21.92 a day.

The company runs a fleet of more than 40 vehicles, including skips and lorries operating in south London and Surrey.

QBE said it would not comment on individual claims.