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Whiplash assessment report fees cut to tackle fake claims Whiplash assessment report fees cut to tackle fake claims
(about 1 hour later)
Fees charged for medical assessments of people who claim they have suffered whiplash are to be slashed.Fees charged for medical assessments of people who claim they have suffered whiplash are to be slashed.
The move is the latest government bid to crack down on fraudulent claims and the so-called "compensation culture".The move is the latest government bid to crack down on fraudulent claims and the so-called "compensation culture".
Currently up to £700 can be charged for an initial medical report but that will be reduced to £180, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said.Currently up to £700 can be charged for an initial medical report but that will be reduced to £180, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said.
About 500,000 whiplash insurance claims are made each year, many of which are thought to be bogus.About 500,000 whiplash insurance claims are made each year, many of which are thought to be bogus.
Insurers say they push up drivers' premiums by as much as £90 a year.Insurers say they push up drivers' premiums by as much as £90 a year.
The new measures are the latest announced by the government to tackle bogus claims, with the new focus on compensation companies and a minority of medical staff who ministers claim are overcharging people.The new measures are the latest announced by the government to tackle bogus claims, with the new focus on compensation companies and a minority of medical staff who ministers claim are overcharging people.
'Drive out fraud''Drive out fraud'
Mr Grayling said the new rules - to be introduced in October - would reflect the amount of time it takes to carry out the assessments and write them up.Mr Grayling said the new rules - to be introduced in October - would reflect the amount of time it takes to carry out the assessments and write them up.
"Honest drivers have been bearing the cost of a system that has been open to abuse and it is time for a change," he said."Honest drivers have been bearing the cost of a system that has been open to abuse and it is time for a change," he said.
"We are determined to have an improved, robust system for medical evidence - so genuine claims can still be settled but fraud is driven out of the market.""We are determined to have an improved, robust system for medical evidence - so genuine claims can still be settled but fraud is driven out of the market."
Whiplash is caused by sudden movement of the head which damages the ligaments and tendons in the neck, with symptoms including neck pain and stiffness.Whiplash is caused by sudden movement of the head which damages the ligaments and tendons in the neck, with symptoms including neck pain and stiffness.
Recent reforms in England and Wales have recently targeted "no win, no fee" deals, with lawyers now unable to double their fees if they are successful.Recent reforms in England and Wales have recently targeted "no win, no fee" deals, with lawyers now unable to double their fees if they are successful.
A number of changes are progressing through Parliament in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, including plans to stop law firms offering incentives to potential clients.A number of changes are progressing through Parliament in the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill, including plans to stop law firms offering incentives to potential clients.
'Stubbornly high''Stubbornly high'
Other new rules include allowing courts to throw out any compensation case where part of the claim has proved to be fundamentally dishonest.Other new rules include allowing courts to throw out any compensation case where part of the claim has proved to be fundamentally dishonest.
The government also wants to stop experts who produce medical reports from offering treatment to the claimant to make sure there is no incentive for them to encourage unnecessary procedures.The government also wants to stop experts who produce medical reports from offering treatment to the claimant to make sure there is no incentive for them to encourage unnecessary procedures.
Some questionable claims are not challenged as, in the past, insurers have settled claims without evidence, the government added.Some questionable claims are not challenged as, in the past, insurers have settled claims without evidence, the government added.
The AA said while premiums have dipped recently, the number of claims remains "stubbornly high" and that means they could go back up.The AA said while premiums have dipped recently, the number of claims remains "stubbornly high" and that means they could go back up.
Have you suffered from whiplash? What was your experience of assessment and the claims procedure? You can email your comments to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.