Changes to *no win no fee compensation claims law




On the 1st of April 2013 changes to law relating to *no win no fee compensation claims came into force. The UK Government has made these changes in an attempt to reduce the number of spurious compensation claims being made.

The UK insurance industry has been claiming for some time that the increase in fraudulent claims has increased the average UK motor insurance premiums by more than 20% in recent years.

However the fairness of the approach taken by the government is proving to be controversial in some legal circles.


How the changes affect *no win no fee compensation claims

Compensation claims made prior to the changes enabled law firms to recover their costs from the defending side. This meant that the successful claimant would always receive 100% of their compensation settlement.

From April 1st 2013, up to 25% (or as agreed between you and your lawyer) of your compensation settlement may have to cover legal costs.

So effectively legal costs are now paid by the victim, rather than the person responsible for the accident. This approach is intended to reduce the amounts paid out by insurers and reduce the likelihood of spurious or fraudulent claims being made.

It is also hoped that a significant reduction in insurance claims will ultimately be passed on to the road user in the form of cheaper car insurance.


How we can help following a road traffic accident

If you have been unfortunate enough to have suffered an injury in a road traffic accident that was not your fault, the solicitors we work with will look to achieve the best possible settlement for you.

We independently help thousands of customers every year with regard to not only compensation issues, but also by providing other accident related services that may not be available to them on their existing insurance cover.

Put simply, if you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, you are entitled to receive all the help and assistance you need to minimise the disruption caused by the collision.

If we are able to assist you with your accident claim, we can offer the following services to you:

  • We can assist with your accident claim independently of your insurer

  • If we deal with your claim, you will almost certainly not have to pay the excess on your policy

  • A comparable replacement vehicle will be delivered to you typically within 3 hours (if your vehicle is un-drivable) of accepting your claim

  • Your replacement vehicle can be delivered to your home or place of work

  • Repairs to your vehicle will be arranged at an approved accident repair centre in your local area

  • If you would like your vehicle repaired at a garage of your own choice, we can arrange this for you

  • Assistance with vehicle recovery and storage costs

  • Legal help and assistance with other accident related issues

  • Costs will be recovered on your behalf directly from the at-fault drivers insurer

If you would like assistance with a car accident claim or would just like some advice, call us on 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

*Once the solicitor has accepted your case, they will clearly explain how the process works, advise you of your options and any other costs that could be payable in your particular situation. More..


No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury