14/02/2012

Cameron Pledges Action To Cut Car Whiplash Claims

The Government is proposing to tighten regulations to reduce claims for whiplash and bring the cost of premiums down.

David Cameron is expected to set out his plans as he hosts a meeting in Downing Street with insurance, consumer and business groups. The prime minister will say he wants to stop "trivial claims".

Insurers say whiplash claims cost their industry £2 billion a year and add £90 to the average annual bill.

However, speaking ahead of the meeting, John Woodcock, Labour's Shadow Transport Minister, said the vast majority of motorists drive responsibly and yet continue to be hit by eye-watering increases in insurance costs, in part due to the sheer number of dodgy whiplash claims.

"Motorists are already feeling the squeeze from the VAT hike on fuel and want to see less talk and more action from this out of touch Government. Getting insurance costs under control requires the Government to bring forward concrete proposals and as a start support Labour’s proposal to limit whiplash claims."

(DW)

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