Sheffield broker supports new law planned to combat claims culture

17th June 2014

Sheffield broker IFM Insurance based on Tapton House Road is supporting the government's latest plans to tackle rising bogus claims.

The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has recently announced new legislation aimed at combatting the growing compensation culture. Under the new laws to tackle insurance fraud, courts will be required to dismiss compensation applications in full if the claimant has been fundamentally dishonest. The plans will essentially mean claimants who exaggerate their injuries will have their entire claim rejected. To date claimants who made an exaggerated claim could still receive compensation for the fair value of their lost. The government also wants to tackle false whiplash claims. So they will enforce that claimants have medical assessments conducted by independent accredited professionals, working on fixed fees for medical reports. Mark Barlow, Managing Director of IFM Insurance, -Many of our clients have been victims of bogus claims made against their business. This not only has an impact on their balance sheet but also requires the aggravation of spending many hours of business time trying to prove fraud has taken place. So we welcome the government's latest plans that will ultimately help local firms combat the claims culture. IFM's support follows in the steps of a number of major insurers including Aviva, which are now backing a campaign to fight and eradicate types of fraudulent claims with real action. IFM recently published a simple guide to help firms tackle fraudulent workplace claims that can be accessed by going to www.ifminsurance.co.uk/News/IFM-offers-local-firms-guidance-against-rising-wor.aspx