Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
MoJ launches investigation into CMCs
According to the Financial Times, the Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into claims management companies following a surge of invalid compensation claims filed on behalf of consumers allegedly mis-sold personal protection insurance.
MoJ issues consultation for RTA portal extension
Last night the MoJ issued a consultation letter to key stakeholders on further extending the fixed costs scheme currently used for Road Traffic Accident claims to cover Employers’ and Public Liability policies.
RTA Portal extension divides opinion due to lack of clarity and timescales
ABI welcomes changes but industry raises concerns over timescale for implementation.
Market fears for unintended consequences as first ABS approval nears
The first alternative business structure could be greenlighted as early as next week.
Fraud IFED: Funding the fraud force
While early results have been impressive, some still believe the industry funding the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department is a step in the wrong direction
Apil criticises ‘short-sighted’ civil justice change
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has said that introducing further change to a civil justice system which is already in the throes of a series of major reforms would be short-sighted.
Questions remain over county court consultation response
Access to Justice Action Group spokesperson Andrew Dismore has accused the government response to the consultation on county court reforms of being a "damp squib".
Laspo Bill suffers six-month delay
The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will not be implemented until April 2013, the government has confirmed.
Solicitors reminded of responsibilities in PPI cases
Solicitors have been reminded of their responsibilities by the Solicitors Regulation Authority when canvassing for clients that want help with claiming for mis-sold payment protection insurance.
Review of the year - General insurance: Regulatory dramas
2011, a year dominated by regulatory and legislative change, could yet prove to be a landmark 12 months for the insurance industry.
View from the top: Embrace the post-Jackson world
The Jackson reforms present a real opportunity. As we await the Ministry of Justice consultation response, let’s be optimistic and assume full implementation next year at sustainable costs levels with real incentives to keep cases ‘on track’.
Interview - Don Clarke: Ready for the reforms
Incoming Foil president Don Clarke is all set to tackle the challenges ahead as he prepares to lead insurance lawyers through legal reform not seen in generations.
News analysis: Admiral’s claims woes worsen as quarter three results revealed
Admiral’s market followers suffered a painful dose of déjà vu last week when the motor insurer’s quarter three results underscored its rising exposure to large bodily injury claims, and it warned full year pre-tax profits would be lower than expected.
Claims - Board representation: Staking a claim
Claims representation at insurer board level may remain a relative rarity — but is it a business critical necessity or a luxury?
Legal expenses: Survival of the fittest
Legal expenses insurers must adapt their models quickly to survive the government’s reforms — or risk extinction.
Interview - Konsta & Payton: Let's get together
The high-profile merger of Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has impacted the legal and insurance industries. Michael Payton and Simon Konsta explain the differences.
Cost Advocates warns against MoJ fixed costs proposals
Costs law company Cost Advocates is advising caution on the Ministry of Justice’s proposal to set fixed costs limits on disputes in County Courts.
News analysis: IFB’s three-year strategy wins financial backing from insurers
The Insurance Fraud Bureau is to more than double in size in its crackdown on professional enablers.
Damages & asbestos: Contrast and compare
Two personal injury compensation disputes have used judicial review proceedings to challenge the substance of the law. Neither were successful but will they still have consequences?
MoJ reaffirms ban on referral fees
Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has announced that the banning of referral fees will be debated in the House of Common next week and, if passed by vote, will be added to Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill which is currently…
Labour front bencher admits concerns over Jack Straw's referral fee ban plan
The Labour Party is not wholly behind its minister Jack Straw’s proposal to ban referral fees it has emerged.
NW England bodily injury claims largest in UK and America
The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries has welcomed the government decision to ban referral fees after its research found claims management companies (CMCs) pocketed almost £500m last year.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: Referral fees roundtable: The hot potato
With barely a day going by without another opinion voiced on the adverse effects of referral fees, our panel of industry experts debated their contribution to cost inflation and the bigger issues*
No panic over end of referral fees
Andrew Morton, head of affinity solutions at Manchester law firm Pannone, said the announcement by the Ministry of Justice banning referral fees in personal injury cases does not mean a complete loss of revenue from legal work for insurers.