Tipp consumers being ripped off by false compensation claims – Sandra Farrell

“Irish consumers are being charged excessive insurance premiums because of a large number of false compensation claims, and the Oireachtas should pass the Fianna Fáil bill to ensure hat fraudsters feel the full force of the law,” said Tipperary Fianna Fáil General Election candidate, Sandra Farrell this week.
The ‘Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill’ which seeks to reduce the number of fraudulent insurance claims by ensuring false claims are dealt with under the law will be debated in the Dáil this week.
“Premiums are continuing to increase, and one of the main factors is the excessive number of false claims for compensation. This leads to rising living costs for all of us and putting the cost of insurance beyond many people.
“Compensation for injury is of massive importance to people, but false compensation claims makes us all suffer in our pockets. The Fianna Fáil bill that is being debated this week will ensure that where a false claim is deemed to have taken place, the Director of Public Prosecutions would be investigated and bring a case where appropriate.
"If passed, the bill would direct a court to must refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions where a case is deemed to be a fraudulent action. This will be achieved by amending Section 26 of the 2004 Civil Liability and Courts Act.
“The Fianna Fáil bill will not stop every false insurance claim, but it will ensure that those who engage in this criminal activity face legal consequences. This will, I believe, make many think twice about going down this route. This proactive approach will, I believe, make would-be fraudsters think twice about makingsuch claims, and hopefully help to stem the rise in premium increases. Tipperary consumers, be they businesses or motorists, are feeling the pinch with their insurance premiums. Anything politicians can do to help consumers needs to be supported,” concluded Farrell.