Personal injury (PI)
SRA warns industry to take new referral fee rules seriously
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has warned the industry that it will clamp down on any firms that breach new rules governing referral fees due to come into force in April.
ILGS ignores what claimants do with damages, says Kennedys
The current use of index-linked government stock ignores the reality of what claimants do with their damages, according to law firm Kennedys.
Personal injury specialist rebrands as Pudsey Legal after being given ABS status
Leeds-based personal injury specialist Kayes Solicitors has revealed that as of 1 November it will become one of the first alternative business structures in Yorkshire.
Low interest rates and claims inflation hitting profits, warns Munich Re
The impact of persistently low interest rates on investments and the growing risk of inflation for severe bodily injury claims are cause for concern for the insurance industry, Munich Re has warned.
Fraud 2012: False hearing loss claims 'easy to disprove'
The insurance industry faces an increase in fraud relating to hearing loss, pet and gadget insurance and arson over the next two years, and has been urged to challenge these threats in a post-Jackson world.
Apil president slams last minute addition to ERR bill
Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Karl Tonks has accused the government of playing "fast and loose" with people's safety, following an 11th hour addition to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill.
Third-party injury claims rise 8% despite fall in reported accidents
Eleven of the top 20 postcodes with the highest rate of third-party injuries are in Birmingham, according to new actuarial data.
BBC documentary series debunks myth of 'easy crime' insurance fraud
A 10-part exposé of the work of insurance fraud investigators is to be screened on BBC One from Monday.
Damages uplift is ‘moot’ point for Direct Line Group IPO
Accountancy firm BDO has claimed the Direct Line Group floatation is unlikely to be affected by the Court of Appeal’s decision to stop personal injury claimants, who have entered a conditional fee arrangement before 1 April 2013, qualifying for a 10%…
Exaggerated claim thrown out in entirety on grounds of "abuse of process"
A woman who exaggerated a personal injury claim has walked away with no compensation at all after a court declared her actions represented an abuse of process.
ABI wins 10% damages uplift challenge
Claimants that have entered a conditional fee arrangement before 1 April 2013 will not qualify for the 10% uplift in damages after the Association of British Insurers won a challenge in the Simmons v Castle case.
Zurich scoops trio of Insurance Fraud Awards
Zurich was the main winner at the Insurance Fraud Awards last night, picking up three gongs.
Insurance Strategy 2012: Young customers think truth won't pay
The new generation of insurance customers believes it is acceptable to be "economical with the truth" when it comes to getting insurance or making a claim, according to a report published by Consumer Intelligence.
Factor in reforms, motor insurers urge Competition Commission
The Competition Commission has been urged to consider the impact of upcoming legal reforms, including the ban on referral fees and changes to general damages, when it begins its two-year investigation into the private motor insurance market.
Motor insurance: Driving down cover costs
With two major indices reporting a fall in the cost of motor insurance, there are signs that the sector’s fortunes are improving. Can insurers afford to be optimistic, or should they proceed with caution?
Discount rate: Lord Chancellor likely to adopt mixed portfolio option
The Lord Chancellor is expected to opt for the “mixed portfolio option” when setting the discount rate for personal injury damages once the consultation finishes in October.
Periodical payment orders: Struggling with settlements
Periodical payment orders are being used to settle increasing numbers of serious personal injury claims, and their popularity is likely to continue. How can insurers cope with the challenges they present?
Alternative Business Structures: a blueprint for change?
Despite the possibilities presented by Alternative Business Structures, there has been only a muted response from the insurance industry thus far.
Antony Hodari acquires Liverpool law firm
Manchester personal injury law firm Antony Hodari has bought Paul Rooney Partnership.
Insurers duck Admiral warning on 'killer' referral fees
Insurers have reiterated their support for the scrapping of referral fees, following remarks made by Admiral chief executive Henry Engelhardt that the incoming ban will be a "killer" for his competitors.
Garwyn: Portal extension could see drop-out rate soar to 80%
Garwyn's chief executive has estimated that up to 80% of claims could fall out of the RTA Portal if it is extended to employers' and public liability in its current form.
Post Claims Club chair's monthly missive: Talk Sport PI ads and treehouses
Last week I enjoyed a pleasant staycation in East Sussex, sleeping in an eco-treehouse on a farm near Mayfield, visiting sights and restaurants recommended by local industry types.
DLG revamps claims management system
Direct Line Group has taken another step towards revamping its claims business by launching the next phase in its end-to-end claims management system.
London council wins crash-for-cash fraud case after four-year stand-off
Barnet Council has avoided up to £120 000 in fraudulent claims costs after a council worker became suspicious of four motor insurance claims occurring in suspiciously similar circumstances.