Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
Lawyers warn against rushing a dual discount rate consultation
As investment returns drop due to coronavirus claimant and insurance lawyers have urged parties not to take a short-term view on the discount rate and a possible early review of a dual discount rate saying its a time for "stability and not disruption”.
Whiplash reforms pushed back into 2021
Whiplash reforms, including the implementation of the claims portal, have been pushed back to April 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Insurers plead with government to make early call on further whiplash reform delay in light of Covid-19
The whiplash reforms implementation date should be delayed and a realistic timescale put in light of the Covid-19 epidemic.
Blog: How automating arbitration can reduce insurance claims costs and complexity
Recent research from the Association of British Insurers found compensators pay out millions every day on repairs and bodily injury claims in the UK but according to Olly Savage, Minsitry of Justice data reveals they’re handling high volumes of injury…
Analysis: Little leeway from five month delay to whiplash portal
The Ministry of Justice has addressed a “loophole” meaning children and vulnerable adults will be able to recoup representation costs when the delayed whiplash portal rolls out, but questions linger over its start date, pressure on courts and claimants…
Government delays whiplash portal implementation
The government has decided that it would not be “practical” to implement the whiplash portal as planned and has delayed it until August.
ABI expects whiplash portal to launch 'beyond' April
Delays to the legislation that will govern the whiplash portal mean it is highly unlikely the portal will launch in April, Association of British Insurers director general Huw Evans projected.
Government delay to claims portal expected within days
Industry experts have predicted that the government is ready to delay the upcoming launch of the claims portal with an announcement expected “very soon”.
Blog: Six months is a long time in politics
December 2019 was the first anniversary of Royal Assent to the Civil Liability Act 2018 and mid-January 2020 marked six months on from one of David Gauke’s last decisions as Lord Chancellor to set a new personal injury discount rate of -0.25% for England…
Insurers accused of profiting from limitation law in child abuse cases as review concludes
In the closing statements of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse proceedings insurers were accused of profiting from limitation law and withholding payments even when convictions were made, as survivors urged for changes to the law and a…
MIB uninsured drivers scheme mooted as template for child abuse compensation payouts
A model similar to the Motor Insurers' Bureau's untraced and uninsured drivers payout scheme has been suggested as one way survivors of institutional child sexual abuse could be compensated.
Whiplash claims process not yet 'fit-for-purpose'
Without judicial rules in place, the claims portal is just a “smart-looking tin with nothing in it”, cautions trade body.
Decisions on ADR and children still to be made by MOJ before whiplash portal's April launch
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau is waiting on a number of government decisions in order to meet the slated 6 April launch date for its whiplash portal.
MIB opens whiplash portal registration
The Motor Insurers' Bureau has opened registration for the incoming whiplash portal ahead of its April launch.
Insurance Monitor: Reflections on the 2019 general election
In the first of a regular column, David Worsfold reflects on the fall out of the conclusive Conservative Party victory in the 2019 general election.
Government still missing the point on child compensation whiplash qualms, campaigners say
The Ministry of Justice continues to face criticism for "missing the point" in its response to allegations of a “loophole” in whiplash legislation that affects children and vulnerable road users.
Industry airs 'rule-taker' Brexit concerns as Conservatives steam to victory
The insurance industry has welcomed greater "clarity" moving forwards following the results of General Election 2019, which saw the Conservative Party led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson win by a significant majority, but continues to express concerns…
Blog: The opportunity for legal expenses insurance in a post-reform world
The Civil Liability Act has created some unintended circumstances and Minster Law's CEO Shirley Woolham asks how legal expenses insurance can help in the post-reform world.
Changes to limitation law must be carefully considered, child abuse inquiry hears
Defendant and claimant lawyers testifying in front of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse yesterday agreed that the current system is not working for victims and survivors, but warned clarity is needed on the consequences of altering…
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.
Aviva pushes for tighter solicitor regulation as it claims CMCs are making a mockery of the system
Solicitors must declare the source of their claims leads, Aviva has challenged, as research shows a tiny fraction of nuisance calls have the legally-required customer consent.
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.