14 November 2008
The increasing number of whiplash claims being made by UK drivers is putting upward pressure on the cost of car insurance, it has been claimed.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the UK has become the whiplash capital of Europe, with whiplash injuries accounting for 75% of all motor personal injury claims, compared to just 40% in the rest of Europe.
It found that whiplash claims have increased by 25% over the last five years. Around 430,000 claims were made in the UK last year, costing the insurance industry almost £2 billion in compensation.
AA Insurance, which contributed to the report, said whiplash claims add around £66 to every car insurance policy.
Director Simon Douglas said: "Over the past year, the average quoted shoparound premium for a comprehensive car insurance policy increased by 8.7% and whiplash injury will become an increasingly important factor in future premium increases."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.