Whiplash Claim Curb Leads To Stricter Regulations

Online, December 13, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The rising number of fraudulent whiplash claims has led to a backlash from insurance companies who have been forced to raise their premiums in order to combat their increased costs. Would-be Blackburn MP Jack Straw has welcomed new government initiatives that will help restrict the number of fraudulent whiplash claims that are being made.

More members of local and national government have backed the proposal. Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, Burnley Liberal Democrat Gordon Birtwistle and Rossendale and Darwen Tory Jake Berry have all leant their support to the cause.

Mr Straw revealed: "I have been campaigning about this for 18 months and these moves should help bring down unnecessarily high insurance premiums in East Lancashire by bringing to an end ludicrous and fraudulent claims."

This will be fantastic news not only for drivers hoping to renew their car insurance due to the proposed lower premiums, but also to those who hope to make genuine UK Personal Injury Claim.

With a lower number of fraudulent claims, opposing insurers and parties will have less reason to be sceptical of those making genuine claims. With less fraudulent claims to file through, the insurers will have more time and staff to deal with the claims made by those who are entitled to compensation. This will make it easier for justice to prevail and could lead to quicker claims processes.

Mr Grayling echoed the sentiments of Mr Straw, declaring that honest drivers were being penalised and were paying for a system that is vulnerable to abuse. New government plans would dictate which cases went forward, hoping to weed out all of the non-genuine. Mr Grayling claimed that misrepresented, exaggerated or fraudulent cases would be challenged robustly under these changes.

He continued by explaining how the changes would go into effect: "What we are trying to do is change the way people are medically assessed for whiplash claims."

There are currently 1,500 whiplash claims in the UK everyday where people are seeking UK Personal Injury Compensation. Since 2006, there has been a 60% rise in personal injury claims being made in regards to road accidents. This number operates in stark contrast to the fall in reported accidents, which has decreased by 20% in the same time. Insurers claim that whiplash claims cost them £2bn every year, which only serves to increase the premium on their customers' deals.