UK is world centre of whiplash injury claims

Insurer LV= says 78 % of injury claims here are whiplash-related, compared with just 65% in the USA.

The behaviour of claims management companies is behind a rise in whiplash claims, says LV=, whose research focussed on drivers who have had an accident within the last two years.

This revealed the lengths claims management companies (CMCs) go to in order to persuade drivers to claim. The research found that the average driver receives five calls or texts following a crash, with most told that there is ‘money waiting for them’.

While one in eight (12%) were even contacted before they reported their accident to their insurer, suggesting that the trade in accident victims’ data swings into action within minutes of an incident occurring.

LV=’s research found that the majority of UK drivers involved in a collision (52%) received a call or text telling them to file for compensation with nearly half (44%) contacted within 24 hours of the accident. In most cases (57%), the person receiving the call had no idea how their details had been sourced and where drivers attended A&E, two thirds (67%) were approached by someone who said they should make a compensation claim.

The Government announced in the Autumn Statement that it would crack down on minor whiplash claims – ultimately leading to reduced premiums for honest consumers. LV= is now calling on Government to act both quickly and comprehensively on implementing the new recommendations of the Insurance Fraud Taskforce, which were published recently.

Martin Milliner of LV= insurance, said: “’Whiplash Capital of the World’ is an unfortunate moniker and not one we should be proud of. And it’s UK motorists who are suffering by paying some of the highest prices for insurance in Europe.”

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