UK is ‘Whiplash Capital of Europe’, say insurers
Posted: April 25, 2013
Posted in: Neck Injuries Whiplash Injuries
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has published research criticising the number of whiplash claims in the UK. Eight in ten personal injury claims following road traffic accidents are now for alleged whiplash, it says.
The ABI has submitted its findings to the Transport Select Committee inquiry into whiplash. This reveals that:
- In the UK 78% of personal injury claims following road accidents are for whiplash, twice the average percentage of whiplash claims across Europe. It compares to 30% in France and Denmark, 31% in Spain, 35% in the Netherlands and 68% in Italy.
- Whiplash claims now cost over £2.2 billion a year, adding an extra £90 to the average annual motor insurance premium.
The ABI would like to see a few reforms in the system, including a medical assessment of personal injury claims by independent, accredited doctors with the latest training in soft tissue neck injuries, and an increase in the Small Claims Track Threshold from £1,000 to £5,000.
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