New data from LV= Motor Insurance shows the UK even outpaces the US when it comes to whiplash claims and now the firm is calling on the government to implement recommendations it first made in the 2014 Autumn Statement to crack down sooner on such claims.

The latest findings from LV show that nearly eight out of 10 (78%) injury claims in the UK are estimated to be made up of whiplash, in comparison with 65% of those in the US.

Focussing on drivers who have had an accident in the last two years, it found the average driver receives five calls or texts following a crash, with the majority of motorists told that there’s ‘money waiting for them’.

Many also felt pressured into progressing a claim and one in eight (12%) were even contacted before they reported the accident to their insurer.

In most cases (57%), the person receiving the call had no idea how their details had been sources and where drivers attended A&E, 67% were approached by someone who said they should make a compensation claim.

‘Cat and mouse between the insurance industry and fraudsters’

Martin Milliner, a claims director of LV= insurance, said: “For years it’s been a game of cat and mouse between the insurance industry and fraudsters – when what we need is a multi-pronged solution that will benefit the consumer once and for all.

“Government makes one change to the system and the fraudsters find a way around it – meaning further action is needed and fraud persists. The more time it takes to implement changes, the easier it makes it for fraudsters to find another loophole, hitting the pocket of the honest consumer.”

LV reaffirms it will pass on all savings from the Autumn Statement whiplash crackdown to consumers.

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