Insurers using dodgy tactics to under-settle claims
June 09, 2009
Bolt Burdon Kemp's specialist road traffic accident compensation team is concerned at reports that some insurers are using dodgy tactics to under-settle claims. We know from our own experience that one insurer in particular, Quinn Direct, is door stepping victims of accidents caused by their policy holders, offering money in return for them agreeing to halt their claim, even where solicitors have been instructed. This happens before medical evidence has been obtained so that a proper assessment of the true value of the claim can't be understood, and in some cases insurers are targetting vulnerable people and children, sometimes within hours or days of an accident, pressurising them to drop their claims. The insurers say they are trying to speed up the compensation process but in fact their whole reason for doing this is to save money. Evidence shows that once a solicitor is instructed, claimants get more money because their claims can be properly assessed. Bolt Burdon Kemp are working with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Motor Accident Solicitors Society to highlight these practices, and bring pressure on the Financial Services Authority and MP's to regulate this practice, known as 'third party capture'. We need to stop victims of accidents getting victimised twice.
To find out more, or join our campaign contact Lee Champion or Peter Snee.