There is a growing compensation culture in the UK, which is partly to blame for record rises in
car insurance premiums, it has been claimed.
Breakdown firm, the AA, believes that the country is being swept by a trend to seek financial remuneration for accidents and injuries, which is being reflected in the higher costs for cover.
Figures from the company show that a typical annual comprehensive policy rose by nearly 19 per cent last year, which is the biggest rise since 1994.
Average comprehensive cover increased in cost by 7.2 per cent in the final quarter of 2009, while a third party, fire and theft policy will now cost around £1,252.
Simon Douglas, director of insurance at the company, said personal injury claims lawyers are partly to blame for this trend.
"Many people seem willing to pursue claims for even minor injuries, such as mild whiplash pain that in the past they would not have bothered claiming for," he added.
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