Welcome for tighter whiplash claims rules - Airmic has welcomed government plans to make it more difficult for people to make fraudulent or exaggerated whiplash claims.

Airmic has welcomed government plans to make it more difficult for people to make fraudulent or exaggerated whiplash claims. Panels of accredited doctors are to be set up to vet all whiplash claims under proposals unveiled by the Ministry of Justice.

The hope is that the tighter rules will drive motor insurance costs down, while still protecting those who have suffered injuries. According to the Association of British Insurers whiplash is now costing motorists £2 billion a year, adding an average of £90 to each premium.

“We are turning the tide on the compensation culture and helping hardworking people by tackling high insurance premiums and other motoring costs,” said Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

It is estimated that there were about half a million whiplash claims last year with each payout costing insurers around £4,400 in compensation and legal fees.

The government has said they may also raise the small claims track threshold for damages for personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents.