Good Garage Scheme reveals changes to motoring claims speeds up compensation process

Changes to the motor personal injury claims process now means that most motorists should be able to receive settlement for personal injuries within nine months, compared to two years under the previous system.

Insurance firms must now decide on liability within 15 days of the claim being filed, speeding up the process. A fixed legal charge has also been introduced, helping to reduce the overall legal cost. The changes apply to claims valued at between £1,000 and £10,000, which constitute nearly 80% of the claims.

Despite positive changes to the motor injury claims process, research has revealed that drivers in the north of England are more likely to be involved in a staged road accident than those in the south.

Fraudsters have been found making unnecessary emergency stops, leading to innocent motorists crashing into them. This has increased premiums for motorists, and delays payouts on genuine claims. The insurer that carried out the research revealed that the top five spots investigated for accident fraud were located in the north.

For genuine motoring accidents, the Good Garage Scheme is assisting member garages with its Accident Helpline. The helpline provides free advice, replacement vehicles and help with repair costs.