Whiplash fraudsters hit in pocket

As a result of a landmark court case victory by insurance company Aviva, the number of whiplash claims that make it to court could be set to fall.

The case saw the court not only reject the whiplash claim, but also rule that the claimant had been “fundamentally dishonest”. It ordered the claimant to pay towards legal costs. 

This is the first case in which the court had exercised new rules created in a bid to cut down the number of cases involving no-win no-fee companies. Instead, claimants were given protection from liability for costs in the event of losing.

• Injury claims fall cuts premiums

However, there are exceptions to these rules – and if a claimant is found to be fundamentally dishonest, all protection is lost. 

Howard Grand, head of legal for Aviva UK&I General Insurance, explained: “This important case serves as a clear warning to those who may be considering submitting exaggerated and fraudulent whiplash claims.”

Do you think it's about time there were tighter regulations on exaggerated insurance claims? Let us know in the comments below…