Whitehall gears up for CPR

The civil procedure rules committee has published draft rules on the new road traffic accident claims process, and passed drafts to government ministers for approval. The rules were criticised by solicitors and CMCs for being overly complex.

Savings for insurers
Insurers could save up to 15% a year by complying fully with the new RTA claims process once it is up and running, said Matthew Scott, head of liability claims and professional services at AXA, which also represents the Association of British Insurers on the RTA stakeholder panel. ‘People can turn more work around in a year while also saving money on each case.’

Take portal for a test drive
Law firms and CMCs will be able to test the new RTA web portal throughout this month, said Fraser Fundell, project manager at Insurance Database Services, which runs the technology behind the system. Fundell urged firms and CMCs to register to use the portal, so that they can train staff in time for the go-live date.

Public urged to seek advice
The public will be advised to take legal advice rather than use the new RTA portal without the help of solicitors. Although litigants in person will be able to use the portal directly, the MoJ said ‘every effort’ will be made to warn them that they should seek legal advice.

Case management fears
Solicitors and CMCs expressed concerns over the short time in which they will need to develop their case management systems to make them compatible with the new portal.