Johnson Law are appalled by one insurer's attempts to circumvent the MOJ scheme.
Following submission of the CNF, liability is quickly admitted and an e-mail sent to the Claimant's solicitors. This e-mail makes an offer for general damages (without medical evidence) and confirms that upon acceptance, stage 1 and stage 2 costs will be paid. The offer will be withdrawn after 14 days if not accepted. It appears that the insurer in question indeed wishes to keep costs proportionate and achieve a timely settlement for the Claimant.
However, the insurer goes on. They proceed to put conditions on any acceptance by the Claimant. A copy of the signed CNF must be submitted or alternatively, a signed statement of truth confirming that the solicitor is instructed and was instructed prior to the offer. Photo identification of the Claimant is also required and the insurer kindly suggests a copy of the Claimant's passport or driving licence would be sufficient (but only if both paper and photo sections are included).
Their "requirement" is purportedly due to the conduct of some claimant firms.
The Insurers cannot be allowed to simply take a unilateral decision to introduce a blanket requirement for every claimant. Insurers had ample opportunity to put forward their views on what should be provided by claimants before the scheme went live. Yet again the insurers are making additional demands of claimants that will eventually lead to spiralling increases in costs which will no doubt be blamed on claimant solicitors.