The fastest growing cause of business insurance claims is arson, new research has revealed.
Although theft is still the most common reason for small organisations to make a business insurance claim, the number of arson incidents has risen by 12 per cent in the second quarter of 2006, figures from AXA indicate.
This forms part of a three per cent overall increase in the number of business insurance claims made in the period.
Business insurance claims for malicious damage, such as broken windows and graffiti, also increased by 11 per cent.
Theft, the number one cause for business insurance claims fell by one per cent, although it still accounts for ten per cent of all claims.
Douglas Barnett, risk control strategy manager at AXA Insurance, said: "Businesses really do have to take the threat of fires seriously and they should protect against all types of arson.
"For example, they should be aware that arson can be as simple as a lit cigarette being deliberately disposed of in rubbish holding facilities or outside storage where they can smoulder and set light to the business and attached dwellings."
The Leigh Reporter revealed this week that several businesses in the town have been targeted in recent weeks by arsonists.




