Groupama UK applauds government whiplash consultation

UK insurer Groupama Insurances says the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on tackling whiplash claims “should be applauded”.

The insurer has joined a growing number of companies voicing support for the consultation, announced yesterday.

Groupama Insurances’ head of large and complex loss Karl Parr said: “Our whiplash claims record in the UK is entirely disproportionate to that in the rest of Europe and every policyholder is paying for it through their premiums. 

“Currently, the vast majority of claims rely on the claimant’s own account for evidence and the judiciary has tended to give them the benefit of the doubt leaving the door wide open for those ready and willing to manipulate and cheat the system. Part of the solution needs to be a reliable diagnosis so genuine claims can be paid quickly and those that are exaggerated or false are dealt with appropriately.  

“We support the intentions of this week’s proposals, which include independent medical assessments with the desire to add more rigour in establishing the extent of such injuries. The sheer volume of claims will make this a challenge in itself but we are now moving in the right direction.”

He added: “With the weight of government and the judiciary behind us, I am hopeful we can stem the seemingly unstoppable tide of whiplash claims and provide an equitable solution for all.”