Personal injury (PI)
AA granted ABS licence
The AA expects to have its own legal services business up and running by the end of the year after being granted an alternative business structure licence by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.
MOJ portal fails to stem rising legal fees
The costs of claims for private motor insurance rose by 7% last year despite a 15% drop in quoted premiums.
Grandmother facing jail after contempt conviction over injury claim
A grandmother could be facing a jail sentence after being found guilty of contempt of court for exaggerating the extent of a personal injury claim.
Insurers frustrated as MoJ defers increase in small claims track threshold
Justice Secretary confirms medical expert panels will be introduced for whiplash.
North of the Border: Jury still out on court reform plan
It’s been called a “great project of civil court reform” by Lord Gill, and it is true the draft Court Reform (Scotland) Bill is a significant part of the Scottish government’s programme to overhaul and update Scotland’s justice system.
PI firms “too quick to sell off their WIP”
Personal injury firms looking to exit the market are failing to maximise the value of their work-in-progress, according to Citadel Law.
Whiplash: Choosing the right path
Several ideas have been suggested to alleviate insurers’ whiplash woes – but which method represents the best solution for all parties?
Expertise in Action: Broker: Fully customised
A tailor-made risk management proposition provides the best result for clients, brokers and insurers alike.
Claims portal data shows more understanding needed
Of the more than 700 claims that were submitted to the claims portal in the first month following its employers' and public liability extension, 40% left the portal.
The Claims Event 2013
Claims managers fear hearing loss could become the ‘new whiplash’
Road Traffic Act: Two-way traffic
Many motor insurers are in limbo because of uncertainty over the interpretation of a crucial section of the Road Traffic Act. However, a forthcoming Supreme Court judgment could provide much-needed clarity.
Pressure mounts on government to close referral fee ban loophole
Apil boss reminds insurers of responsibility not to profit from schemes.
Claims management: Crackdown
Do new measures aimed at snuffing out poor practice by claims management companies go far enough?
Apil slams 'misconception' fuelled meso proposals
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has accused the consultation paper on mesothelioma of being “based on a number of misconceptions about how mesothelioma claims are carried out in practice”.
Opinion: Treatment key to whiplash woes
Studies suggest early treatment of claimants could bring down the costs associated with whiplash.
Road deaths fall 8% but serious injuries remain stable
A total of 195 723 people were killed or injured in road accidents reported to the police in 2012, down 4% on 2011, according to the Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain Annual Report.
Brand analysis: Market Forces
Despite economic constraints, regulation, boardroom reshuffles and reputational issues – the outlook for insurance brands remains positive.
Fraud: Breaking the habit
From holidaymakers to corporates, exaggerating or fabricating an insurance claim could become common practice – so what can insurers do to combat this culture By Ruth Lawrence
Insurers rubbish accusation of Claims Portal bias against non-English names
Defendant solicitor says 60% of claims from ethnic names get flagged as fraud.
C-Suite: Rewriting the law on fraud
Looking to France may help bring down claim numbers and prevent fraudsters escaping detection, says John O'Roarke.
Scottish civil litigation costs review not a repeat of Jackson reforms
Taylor review’s key proposals include QOCS and referral fee approval
Costs report puts victims first
The recent Scottish report on the cost of civil litigation has “blazed a trail for fair play” in courts for injured people, according to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.
Unscrupulous 'slam on' fraudster set for sentencing
A crash for cash fraudster who put lives at risk after deliberately pulling out in front of a bus is awaiting sentencing after claims investigators referred the case to the Metropolitan Police.
BGL extends relationship with National Accident Helpline on PI claims
BGL and National Accident Helpline have reached an agreement, which will see Minster Law, part of BGL’s legal services business, and NAH work in closer harmony on personal injury claims.