At our first Motor Claims Forum, specialists from across the market shared practical insight on current pressures and emerging trends shaping motor claims. This new quarterly roundtable series is designed to deliver focused, strategic discussion in a small, specialist environment. 

Key themes discussed at this session were: 

Northern Ireland Updates 

Larger insurers often ringfence Northern Irish claims, but that isn’t always practical for medium sized insurers and MGAs. The gap can be bridged by working closely with experienced NI lawyers to support KYO, advise on cost-saving tools and guide litigation decision making including avoiding undesirable last-minute “courtroom door” settlements. 

With a rise in PI damage awards in Northern Ireland, early intelligence remains key. It enables more meaningful post litigation strategies to be implemented and taking a proactive approach at pre proceedings stage helps manage the litigation process more effectively. 

For more information and support from our NI team, contact Francine Quinn, Associate Partner, Belfast.  

Cyber resilience requires a supply chain mindset 

As insurers rely more heavily on digital evidence and interconnected partner networks to validate and manage claims, their exposure to cyber disruption continues to grow. A traditional, internally focused incident response or business continuity plan is no longer sufficient. Effective cyber resilience now demands a coordinated, supply chain wide approach. 

Those plans must be actively rehearsed, validated, and clearly understood not only within the organisation but across key suppliers. When expectations and critical steps are socialised in advance, insurers are far better placed to protect the integrity of the claims process and respond confidently when a cyber incident occurs. 

For guidance on assessing organisation and supplier resilience, contact Craig Kennedy, Partner and Head of Cyber Consultancy.  

Volume trends: evidence, mediation and market movement 

There is a continued focus on MS services and mediation with evolving expectations around expert evidence (Reed v Protector confirmed that focused expert questions are permitted within the OIC). The Whiplash Task Force recommended no extension of tariffs and no change to SCT limits – the MoJ response is awaited this spring. 

Ayode v Ocado is a concerning first‑instance decision from Birkenhead, awarding around £2,000 for psychological symptoms lacking DSM classification (which would typically attract only a £20 tariff uplift). HF’s Glyn Thompson is a member of the OIC advisory board to the MoJ. He has raised the issue with the judicial representative and MedCo and further discussion is scheduled at the end of April.  HF’s fraud team has incorporated the decision into a new strategy on psychological injury in volume claims. 

For more information, contact Greg Cave, Associate Partner.

JCG and rehabilitation focus 

The 18th edition of the Judicial College Guidelines is due on 9 April.  Early indications point to a 6–10% uplift, following last year’s inflation driven increase. Rehabilitation continues to feature heavily in discussions, with the need for coordinated, evidence-based approaches. 

To stay up to date on latest developments, contact Liam McGuire, Partner and Head of Motor.   

Scotland: reform stalls, but case law signals shift 

Progress on a Scottish pre–action portal and a Scottish Fundamental Dishonesty (FD) provision remains slow, with political changes contributing to the loss of momentum. The recent McSeveney v Aviva case may signal judicial appetite for firmer consequences of dishonesty – further hearing is listed for April.  

Medical Agency Fees 

HF recently secured a significant decision in JXX v Archibald,  where Senior Costs Judge Rowley said that medical reporting agency charges should be limited to 25% of the underlying expert fee. There is an expectation that this decision will be appealed.  The Intermediate Track rules do not permit recovery of agency fees. 

For a demo of our updated software which calculates fixed costs when setting strategy and on conclusion (Fast Track, Intermediate Track and disbursements), contact Paul McCarthy, Partner and Head of Costs.