Whiplash Cash Cons Are Soaring

A study of GPs found the most common scam is for someone to claim they have suffered whiplash in a car accident.

Nearly all family doctors said they had seen a patient they thought was exaggerating an injury to get cash.

Almost two out of three said they had seen an increase in "fakers" in the past 10 years.

Sham Nearly a quarter said there had been a surge in sham injuries since the recession began.

The study was carried out for LV=car insurance, who said the UK reports far more whiplash than other European countries.

The firm estimate that up to 20 per cent of drivers' premiums go towards whiplash claims.

LV=car insurance head of claims Martin Milliner said: "Clearly, anyone who has a genuine injury as a result of an accident that wasn't their fault, and loses out or can't work as a result of it, is entitled to compensation.

"However, anyone trying to get money for an injury that doesn't exist is not only breaking the law but also wasting valuable NHS time and resources.

"We would urge any GP who has doubts about someone reporting an injury to investigate further.

"People may see making up an injury as a result of a car accident as a harmless crime and a quick way to make money but, if they are allowed to get away with it, all car insurance premiums would be pushed up."