Reputation defended “in strongest terms”
Autofocus has rejected allegations by Accident Exchange that they have cut payments from insurers to the car hire company,claiming it intends to get the case thrown out of court.
The company said “Autofocus is aware of comments included by Accident Exchange in its half yearly report issued on 30 December 2009 to the effect that Accident Exchange has issued proceedings in the High Court against Autofocus.
“Autofocus rejects the allegations made by Accident Exchange in the strongest possible terms. The company confirms that following the Judgment of His Honour Judge Mackie in the High Court on 16 December 2009 when Accident Exchange was forced to narrow its case to one point, an application has been made to the Court of Appeal to have the claim struck out.
Still receiving instructions
“In the meantime, Autofocus is delighted that the company is still receiving many instructions from important clients.
“Autofocus rates surveyors are attending court regularly to give oral evidence and the courts are accepting the evidence despite rigorous attempts by Accident Exchange to oppose the evidence.
Colin McLean, chairman of Autofocus, said: “Autofocus does not wish to adopt the approach of litigating any dispute through the press.
Independent service
“Nevertheless, it is important for the market to understand that Autofocus will do everything in its power to defend itself and will not be deterred by these extremely serious allegations from offering the highest level of responsible, independent service to the industry.
“Contrary to suggestions in the Accident Exchange half yearly report, our rates surveyors have attended court regularly since the allegations were first made in September.
“It is important to report that the courts found in favour of the Insurer in seven out of the eight Accident Exchange claims that have been subjected to a full trial and an award by the court.
“The average court award for the eight claims was 27.4% of the amount claimed and it is telling that the courts reduced the hire period in five out of the eight claims.”
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