Whiplash
Analysis: Review of the Year 2019
It feels as if 2019 was an uncomfortable year for the general insurance market as it never quite seemed to grasp control of its own destiny. Wherever you look, carefully laid plans were derailed by the unexpected – and often unwanted – intervention of…
MoJ secrecy on small claims portal under fire
The Ministry of Justice faced criticism on secrecy around the development of the small claims portal at Post’s Insurance Claims and Fraud Summit in London yesterday.
Minster Law cuts costs and warns others must do the same to survive reforms
Personal injury law firms face a “bleak future” unless they bear down on their fixed costs ahead of reforms set to come into force next year, Minster Law CEO Shirley Woolham has warned.
This month in Post: Thomas Cook-up
In a week that was dominated by personal injury fracas, the revelation that Thomas Cook self-insured against all but the “very largest” PI claims may well take the cake for biggest botch up.
MoJ defends position on access to justice for children amid whiplash criticism
Exclusive: The Ministry of Justice has defended itself over a "loophole" in whiplash legislation that lawyers and trade bodies argue could leave the majority of children injured in road traffic accidents without access to compensation or representation.
This week in Post: Carnival spooks
This week, some Post colleagues and I attended CFC Underwriting's annual Halloween party. The theme this year was carnival, and accordingly, the party was full of clowns, fortune tellers and more than the odd Joker.
Whiplash reforms timeline in 'grave doubt' as general election looms
With an early general election on the cards, the industry has raised concerns over the planned implementation of whiplash reforms in April.
Top motor accident solicitor slams ministers on whiplash
Whiplash reforms should be delayed as rushing through a "minimum viable product" will create unacceptable challenges for claimants, lawyers have warned the government.
Analysis: Telematics - telling it as it is?
Fabricating a motor insurance claim used to be as simple as arranging for a mate to drive into your car but with today's new technology, Veronica Cowen explains how much harder insurers are making it for the fraudsters.
Trade Voice: Gordon Dalyell, Apil
Following insurer outcry as the Ogden discount rate was set at minus 0.25%, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Gordon Dalyell underlines that the industry is set to save hundreds of millions, while claimants still face an "unfair" rate.
Government extends Medco for small RTA claims
The industry has welcomed the government’s response to a consultation into the future provision of medical reports.
Analysis: Should the government revise the deadline for the whiplash portal?
The small claims portal is due to enter its testing phase in October, before officially launching in April 2020. However, many in the industry are concerned that the proposed deadline is not feasible, given the lack of clarity from the government
Interview: Huw Evans, ABI director general
The industry faces heavy scrutiny from regulators and the government over pricing practices and personal injury reform, all while reeling from the prospect of a looming Brexit. Huw Evans, Association of British Insurers director general, spoke to Jen…
Insurers call for ‘tough compromises’ to ensure claims portal meets targets
The government needs to make “tough compromises” to ensure the claims portal meets the target launch date of April next year, insurers have warned.
Analysis: Should the FCA impose fee caps on CMCs?
The Financial Conduct Authority is working to limit charges for claims management companies’ services, but will new regulation actually be a double-edged sword for consumers?
LV eyes premium increases following £13m Ogden blow
LV has been hit with a £13m blow as a result of the Ogden rate, which the insurer said could push up premiums by 1%.
Blog: Whiplash portal cannot proceed without government decisions
The deadline for the start of the new litigant in person portal is fast approaching. James Dalton, director of general insurance policy at the Association of British Insurers says there are doubts over whether the necessary decisions will be made in time.
This week: No hiding place
As we start the month of August, many of us are planning to jet off abroad for a well-deserved break. And for those who do, very few would dream of placing a false sickness claim in order to receive a pay-out that would inevitably land them in jail.
Trade voice: Paul Nicholls, Mass chair
With the motor claims landscape set to change following the Civil Liability Act, Motor Accident Solicitors Society chair Paul Nicholls airs his concerns over anticipated delays in the progress of the Litigants in Person portal and how a premature launch…
Whiplash portal 'being built in a rules vacuum'
The Litigants in Person whiplash portal build may be progressing well, but fraud and a lack of clarity from the government could jeopardise its effectiveness, according to Sabre CEO Geoff Carter.
BLM wins fundamental dishonesty case against opportunistic fraudster
BLM has won a fundamental dishonesty case against a fraudster who claimed for whiplash from an accident where she was not in the vehicle.
Blog: The MIB's litigant in person portal is only fit for sunny days
The Motor Insurer's Bureau might have outlined how it expects the proposed litigant in person portal to work. But Marcus Taylor, director of claims at Minster Law, argues that while this might be fine for 'sunny day' scenarios, there was much detail…
This month: Reputation, climate change and technology
This month’s issue looked at reputational issues the sector is facing and what needs to be done to improve the industry's reputation going forward.
Interview: Dominic Clayden, Motor Insurers’ Bureau
The newly appointed CEO of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau discusses modernisation, Brexit, whiplash portals, and Lewis v Tindale with Martin Croucher