ABI backs crackdown on fraudulent whiplash claims

WHIPLASH claims are adding an extra £90 a year to the average motor insurance premium.

That’s the message from the Association of British Insurers, which has responded to news of a Government consultation on measures to tackle the rise in claims of this nature.

The group’s head of motor and liability James Dalton said: “We are pleased that the Government recognises that tough action is needed to protect honest motorists from the UK’s whiplash epidemic.

“For too long, whiplash has been seen as the ‘fraud of choice’ Our roads are safer, yet every day over 1,500 whiplash claims are made. These claims add an extra £90 a year to the average motor insurance premium.

“More effective diagnosis of whiplash will help genuine claimants get paid out quickly and reduce the scope for fraud, so helping to ensure that honest motorists do not end up footing the bill for the cheats through higher insurance premiums.”