06/02/12
By Emma McFarnon
Cabinet ministers are to discuss ways to crack down on whiplash claims, which have resulted in hefty payouts and driven up the cost of car insurance.
Prompted by cold-calling lawyers and high profile advertising campaigns, thousands of drivers involved in minor accidents have been prompted to make whiplash claims.
This has seen Britain saddled with much higher rates of whiplash claims than anywhere else in Europe, and resulted in soaring car insurance premiums.
Nick Starling, director of general insurance at the Association of British Insurers, said: "Honest motorists have rightly had enough of paying for ambulance chasing lawyers, claims management companies and fraudsters who milk the compensation merry go round through higher premiums.
"Reducing these costs will mean cheaper motor insurance for consumers and the insurance industry will play its part in delivering this."
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Ms Greening said: "From texting and cold-calling drivers involved in accidents, to running high profile advertising campaigns, lawyers are encouraging people to claim for whiplash injuries sustained in the most minor of incidents - which barely damage the car's paintwork, never mind its driver.
"As Transport Secretary I believe it is time to confront these issues and I'm determined to take a serious look at what can be done."
Ms Greening will meet with Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, Home Secretary Theresa May and Business Secretary Vince Cable to discuss the situation.
Prime Minister David Cameron will later convene a wider review on the issue.
