A new system for testing the validity of whiplash claims is being developed by Thatcham in conjunction with six motor insurers.
Harnessing powerful software, insurance companies hope to be able to enter details of a claimant's weight and height, as well as whether there were any passengers or luggage in the car at the time of the road accident; results are then computed to help determine whether the whiplash claim is likely to be genuine.
Insurance company Allianz is already using a similar system in Germany, where it claims to have reduced payouts for whiplash claims by as much as 30%.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Whiplash Injury Toolkit (Witkit) will be accurate enough to really enhance the process for whiplash claims in the UK, many personal injury solicitors are doubtful.
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