Lawyers Warn Drivers Over Whiplash Claims

Personal injury specialists are warning drivers about the potential consequences of 'fronting' car insurance. A report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) revealed that the practice of fronting has increased by 30% during the two-year period between 2007 and 2009.

While fronting might seem like a harmless way of reducing insurance costs, the repercussions can have significant sums attached to them. Insurance that is obtained under false pretences is invalid; where there are repair bills and medical costs to be covered, anyone who is found to be driving with false insurance could be liable for hefty costs. In addition, fronting is a criminal offence and anyone caught could face further prosecution.

Nicolas Jervis of personal injury specialists, 1stClaims, believes that fronting could have costly consequences in the event of an accident. He says: "One of the most common injuries sustained in road-accidents is whiplash. Whiplash can be a debilitating condition that affects someone's ability to work. However, if it is treated quickly, its most incapacitating effects can be minimised - and that is one of the benefits of adequate car insurance. If the insurance is found to be false, then the claimant loses all the benefits associated with it, including access to medical treatment. This could not only result in expensive medical bills, but also loss of earnings and a lengthy recovery process."

As a result of the increase of instances of fronting, ripples in the insurance world are already starting to affect scrupulous motorists; some underwriters seeking to prevent this kind of fraud have changed their insurance criteria by charging for the driver who presents the highest risk, regardless of whether this person is the main driver of the vehicle or not. In addition, lawyers are being urged to give proposal forms and claims more scrutiny and exchange information with other legal representative through an industry-wide database.

A side effect of fronting has also been revealed; in the time-span covered by the report, the ABI has also discovered an increase in the number of 'walk away' claims. These are claims where an insurer, concerned that a claim might be fraudulent, asks the claimant to disclose more information regarding the claim. In 'walk away' cases the claimant suddenly decides not to pursue the claim any further. While this gives lawyers no further reason to pursue the enquiry, often those claimants are earmarked as a potential risk.

Those considering fronting as an option to reduce insurance premiums would do well to take lawyers' warnings to heart and not do it. You must remember an insurance company welcomes any legitimate opportunity to avoid paying out under the terms of an insurance policy, and fronting gives them a real reason to avoid payment.