Andrew Ollerenshaw, Managing Partner, Tayntons LLP, Gloucester "fraudulent PI claims pushing up cost of motor insurance"

16th March 2011 12:14

Fraudulent personal injury claims caught the headlines last week as MPs called for measures to tackle the rise in fraudulent cases which, it is claimed, is pushing up motor insurance premiums. According to a cross party transport committee at the House of Commons at a launch of a report on the cost of motor insurance, average quotes for comprehensive motor insurance increased by 30 per cent in the year to last October.  The report points to the huge increase in fraudulent personal injury claims as one of the main reasons for the increase in premiums.

Andrew Ollerenshaw, Managing Partner and expert in personal injury cases at Tayntons LLP, which has one of the largest specialist PI teams in Gloucestershire and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, comments on the report: “At Tayntons we are aware of the growing trend of fraudulent PI cases and that there are increasing numbers of motorists and passengers making false claims and seeking compensation.  

“We have taken measures to counter the trend and all our staff are specially trained and are made aware of all the possible ‘indicators’ that can point to fraudulent claims; indeed we fully scrutinise the events and facts before deciding to take on a case and strongly discourage claimants if the facts do not stack up. Our expert team only proceed with valid claims that have a reasonable prospect of securing a successful outcome.”  

The Transport Select Committee has called on the insurance industry to do more to tackle fraudulent injury claims and has asked the industry to fund a dedicated police unit on insurance fraud. The Police has also made clear to the committee that ‘staged accidents’ are also on the increase.

Andrew continues: “It is important that injured people have access to justice and this country’s legal system is intended to ensure that fair compensation is provided to those who genuinely suffer injury or loss as a result of an accident. It has been widely reported for several years that the prevailing ‘compensation culture’ has led to a hike in false claims. All reasonable measures should be put in place to ensure the system is not hijacked by people abusing the system whilst ensuring that genuine clients with real problems still have the ability to pursue legitimate claims.”

 For advice on all Personal Injury matters contact Andrew Ollerenshaw, Managing Partner, a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) on 01452 509860 or andrew.ollerenshaw@tayntons.co.uk