As MoJ reforms win out, MASS lays down the gauntlet on premium prices
Following last week’s judicial review of the government’s civil justice reforms, Motor Accident Solicitor’s Society (MASS) chair Craig Budsworth has asked how soon it will be before insurance premiums start to fall.
The judicial review into the planned reduction of fixed recoverable costs for claims in the RTA portal, which found in favour of the Secretary of State for Justice, was applied for by MASS and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Speaking at the ABI Motor Insurance Conference on March 5, Budsworth said: “The question about whether legal costs will come down is no longer relevant.
“LASPO, the Jackson reforms and referral fee ban all come into effect next month. And after last week’s announcement by the government on fixed fees, there can be no doubt costs will come down.
“I continue to believe that is wrong and will have serious negative impacts upon the provision of independent, legal advice for the genuine accident victim. But the real question is how soon will it be before insurance premiums start to fall?
“As a sector you’ve all made public statements and private commitments to the prime minister and other ministers. We are going to get to the point very soon where the focus is going to shift away from what is going to be left of the legal sector.
“You will be held accountable for your promises - not just the government and parliament, but by the consumer. You, the British insurance industry, will have to deliver on those commitments.”
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