'Refined' claims scheme launched
The Government has launched a streamlined compensation process that should result in quicker payments for people injured in car accidents.
Officials say the new scheme will cut the amount of time it takes to settle a claim from an average of to years to a maximum of nine months.
The new regime applies to all motor personal injury claims valued at between £1,000 and £10,000 - around 80% of all cases.
It also sets out strict time frames for completion of individual stages in the process, fixed legal costs and electronic forms designed to reduce duplication.
The Association of British Insurers believes the move could benefit up to half a million people every year.
Spokesman Nick Starling said: "These changes will not only mean quicker compensation for many, but will also reduce the level of legal costs that all motorists ultimately end up paying for through their motor premiums.
"We expect that these changes will be the start of wider ranging reforms to ensure that more claimants benefit from a simpler and speedier compensation process, and we would like to see this new process extended to cover employers' liability insurance claims."