The real cause of whiplash claims, according to insurer’s research

Published: 13/07/2012

There is much hysteria about whiplash claims currently in the press with the Government and insurance companies rallying together to ban referral fees. However a recent study by one insurance company has revealed some very interesting results in this so called “whiplash epidemic”.

According to research AXA believes hundreds of thousands of whiplash claims could be prevented in the first instance if better seats and head restraints were fitted to vehicles.

Its study, carried out in conjunction with motor research organisation Thatcham, indicated only a third of cars in the UK are equipped with seats and head restraints good enough to minimise the chance of a driver suffering from whiplash.

AXA is also calling for better education as its research revealed four in ten drivers have never adjusted their head restraint with 26 per cent of those admitting to not knowing how to.

Robin Reames is the Chief Claims Officer at AXA:

“Consumer awareness of prevention is another key step in bringing down the cost [of insurance premiums]. It seems the majority of people are unaware of how they can help themselves and even if they are aware they do little about it.”

Whiplash claims are being blamed for the rising cost in insurance premiums and, according to the Association of British Insurers, add £90 a year to a motor insurance policy. As a result the ABI is calling for a “crackdown” on these claims and is demanding “objective medical evidence of injury” before a victim receives any compensation.

The Motor Accident Solicitor Society (MASS), fearing the Government is beginning to lose sight of the real issues, is attempting to level the playing field by running a campaign to ensure the voice of accident victims is heard.

Goldsmith Williams is in full support of this campaign and is encouraging all genuine victims of road traffic accidents, and in particular whiplash claims, to complete the survey and make the Government listen to the people who these decisions really affect.

Click here to complete the MASS whiplash survey.

Content correct at time of publication