Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
Insurers frustrated as MoJ defers increase in small claims track threshold
Justice Secretary confirms medical expert panels will be introduced for whiplash.
Biba supports whiplash move
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has welcomed the announcement today by Justice Secretary Chris Grayling to establish independent medical panels to assess whiplash injuries.
Expert panels won’t deter fraudsters says Smart Witness
The Ministry of Justice’s plan to introduce independent medical panels for reviewing whiplash claims is set to fail, according to road accident firm Smart Witness.
LV disappointed at delay in small claims decision
LV has expressed disappointment at the Ministry of Justice’s decision to further consider whether the small claims court limit should be raised.
Apil ‘relieved’ at MoJ's small claims decision delay
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has expressed relief at the Ministry of Justice announcement to delay a decision on increasing the small claims court limit for personal injury from £1 000 to £5 000.
MoJ to introduce expert panels for whiplash claims
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed a package of measures, such as the introduction of independent medical panels, aiming to combat whiplash and reduce the cost of motor insurance premiums by £80.
Mass welcomes MoJ small claims deferral decision
The Motor Accident Solicitors Society has welcomed the Ministry of Justice’s announcement to defer its decision on the small claims limit for general damage claims.
Insurance lawyers welcome whiplash medical panel proposals
Claimants and defendant lawyers alike have welcomed the government’s plans to introduce independent medical panels for validating whiplash claims.
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.
C-Suite: Slow down and think long term
Major price swings in the motor sector in the wake of legal reform are damaging to consumer confidence.
Industry backs extension of squatting ban despite lack of claims in 2013
Property landlords liable for damage and personal injury as a result of squatters.
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?
Kennedys calls for end of Laspo mesothelioma exemption
Insurance law firm Kennedys has called for the end to the special legal status granted to mesothelioma claims and bring their processing in line with the reforms introduced by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act.
Insurers reminded of reform milestone by Crawford liability boss
Insurers have been reminded to brace themselves for the next civil litigation reform milestone geared towards reversing the former legal position, imposing a burden on claimants to prove negligence.
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.
ABI calls on government for action on young driver safety
The Association of British Insurers has warned that Government stalling on its promise to improve young driver safety.
Brand analysis: Market Forces
Despite economic constraints, regulation, boardroom reshuffles and reputational issues – the outlook for insurance brands remains positive.
Insurers rubbish accusation of Claims Portal bias against non-English names
Defendant solicitor says 60% of claims from ethnic names get flagged as fraud.
Discount rate decision could be delayed, warns Kennedys
Insurance law firm Kennedys has cautiously welcomed the government’s research into the personal injury discount rate and warned that the outcome of the paper could delay a decision of whether the rate should change.
Prisoners paid to gather insurance details
Prisoners are being paid to gather insurance details and other other personal details as part of market research for insurance companies, the BBC has reported.
Small claims track decision disappoints LMA
Lloyd’s Market Association is disappointed the Transport Select Committee has recommended keeping whiplash claims out of the small claims track.
Mesothelioma proposals face firing squad while barely out of blocks
Gateway will bring meso claims in line with Jackson reforms.