The latest figures from the UK government's Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) show key trends in personal injury claims across various liability types, with motor claims remaining the largest category despite a notable decline.
The data, obtained by the Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO) through a freedom of information request, includes claims for clinical negligence, employer liability, motor, other liabilities, public liability, and an "unknown" category.
From January to September 2024, the CRU registered a total of 347,168 personal injury claims. This included 11,079 clinical negligence claims, 34,847 employer liability claims, 245,028 motor claims, 7,450 claims in other liabilities, 48,081 public liability claims, and 683 "unknown" cases.
Motor claims accounted for the highest volume, though recent numbers suggest a declining trend compared to previous years, potentially linked to ongoing reforms.
Commenting on the figures, ACSO executive director Matthew Maxwell Scott (pictured above) said that the 76,678 motor injury claims recorded between July and September 2024 represent the lowest level on record, marking an 11% decline from the same period last year.
Maxwell Scott noted that the numbers reflect the continuing impact of recent government reforms, including changes to whiplash claims.
"The decline is especially relevant in light of the government’s announcement that it is to investigate the high price of motor insurance through the Motor Insurance Taskforce. Not even the most vociferous advocate for the insurance industry can now assert that soaring premiums are the fault of all those making minor injury claims,” he said.
Maxwell Scott added that ACSO urges the government to avoid hollowing out the claims market and to expedite its decision on the new whiplash tariff and updated medical report costs.
“It is important that the rights of injured people to obtain redress for non-fault accidents are supported by ministers. Volume injury claims and firms who help injured people need a sustainable future,” he said.
The CRU data also indicated a significant increase in public liability claims, which rose by 25% from the same quarter last year and 32% from the previous quarter.
Maxwell Scott noted the rise, saying it is unclear whether this spike represents a temporary fluctuation or an emerging trend. In contrast, employer liability and clinical negligence claims remained relatively stable.
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