Insurers deny legal duping claim
Insurers have denied Law Society of Northern Ireland claims that they dupe motor claimants into accepting settlements without legal advice.
The society had previously condemned "the tactics being used by insurers to induce injured parties to settle claims for compensation."
But the Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that its members are committed to giving accident victims the best deal, and that premiums are pushed up by 10% because of legal costs.
Says Justine Jacobs, assistant director of motor liability: "Insurers want to help innocent victims of road accidents get their vehicle repaired and get the care and compensation they need, as soon as possible.
"For this reason insurers may contact the innocent party to offer help with any claim direct.
"Helping people get care and compensation without legal advice can help bring down the cost of motor insurance, as legal costs currently add 10% to the cost of motor insurance.
"We will be discussing with the Law Society of Northern Ireland the issues raised in this report."