The storms that hit the UK in October 2023 brought both rain and wind and left devastation. Those who have felt the devastation left by the storm include customers whose vehicles were held at the Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Derby which has temporarily closed following the flooding and no date for reopening has been provided. The dealership faced flooding across its premises and people took to social media to share videos of the vehicles and buildings submerged.
Both the Land Rover and Inchcape’s websites include small statements in relation to the closure and vehicles.
Land Rover states as follows:
“Inchcape Jaguar Derby is temporarily closed due to flood damage, so please do not travel to the site at this time.”
Inchcape states:
“Inchcape Jaguar Derby is temporarily closed due to flood damage, so please do not travel to the site at this time. Colleagues remain on hand to assist with your enquiries via telephone, email and through our website. If your vehicle is currently with us for service, you have a future appointment or you have purchased a vehicle, one of our team will be in touch to discuss this further with you.”
The Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Derby opened in late 2019 following planning applications 12 months earlier facing complications due to the land being prone to flooding. The dealership includes a two-storey building, which is used for selling, servicing, repairing, and cleaning both Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. The premises are spread across 11.5 acres.
It has been reported by those whose vehicles were at the site during the time of the flooding, that the dealer’s insurance will not cover the owners of the damaged cars. Other reports include those who have vehicles at the premises being turned away by security.
Many of those who had vehicles at the Derby dealership were waiting for parts and due to a shortage, the vehicles had been kept at the dealership for a number of months. These customers are now being advised that their vehicles have been inspected and will need to be written off.
Legal considerations
There have been no further updates regarding customers being given access to the premises and their vehicles at this time. Should any party be affected by their vehicle being damaged as a result of the flooding, it is likely that the agreement between the customers and the dealership will need to be considered alongside any insurance policies in place.
Evidence about how soon the dealership should have known that the site was going to be flooded will also be relevant to any arguments about potential negligence.
How we can help
Faye Henderson is a Trainee Solicitor at Nelsons.
For further information on the subjects discussed in this article or any related topics, please contact a member of our Dispute Resolution team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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