AA Insurance: whiplash claims pushing up premiums

Friday, 14 November 2008 12:00

Motor insurance policies could soar by £66 because of rising numbers of people claiming for whiplash, the AA warned today.

The motor insurer is urging people to take precautions to prevent the injuries happening.

Adjusting head restraints in cars and keeping a safe distance behind the car in front are among the AA's tips.

The AA is issuing the advice after a report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed 430,000 people claimed for whiplash injury in 2007. This cost the insurance industry 1.9bn in compensation.

The insurer, which contributed to the report, said whiplash claims were putting increasing pressure on motor insurance premiums.

Simon Douglas, director of AA insurance, said: "The cost of whiplash claims equates to about £66 for every UK car insurance policy, or about 14 per cent of the average Shoparound car insurance premium.

"This is more than twice the cost of claims for accidents with uninsured drivers."

Edmund King, president of the AA, said whiplash injuries were avoidable. He urged drivers and passengers to adjust their head restraints before driving off.

"The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of the driver's head, or at least no lower than eye level," he said.

King added: "Drivers can avoid inflicting whiplash on themselves and others by keeping a safe distance - at least two seconds - from the vehicle ahead."

• Tags:
• product news