Apil backs MPs probe into insurer cold-calling

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Apil) has a backed House of Commons Transport Committee calls for an investigation into insurer cold calling.

“The recommendation for an investigation into cold calling is also long overdue,” an Apil spokesman said in a statement. “Solicitors’ rules on this are extremely robust and it is time for insurers and others who plague members of the public with cold calls to be subject to the same rigour.”

The trade body added that a priority must be for innocent victims of genuine injury, including whiplash, to have access to full compensation.

“Whiplash injuries can be extremely painful and can often linger, leaving some people with chronic conditions,” the spokesman said. “It must be remembered that the burden of proof lies with the victim. The defendant has every right, and opportunity, to challenge medical opinion if it is thought to be wrong. 

“Any measures that risk blocking people from making valid claims will leave injury victims and taxpayers effectively subsidising the insurance companies that have already accepted our premiums. It is time for the needs of vulnerable injured victims to take precedence over those whose negligence causes needless injury in the first place.”