Insurance giant Allianz has announced plans to fast-track low-value personal injury claims.

The move comes in anticipation of reforms to be announced by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

As well as fast-tracking motor and casualty claims of up to £25,000, there will be 'rapid desk' investigations geared to deadline recommendations set our in last year's MoJ consultation paper.

Other reforms will include the use of claims process mapping, the setting up of a full compensation recovery unit for state benefits and National Health Service charges, as well as the more extensive use of phone and electronic communications with claimant lawyers.

Bob Rabbitts, Allianz technical claims manager, said: "While it is very frustrating that we still don’t know how and when these reforms will finally take shape, it is important that insurers are prepared.

"Within the current system it takes too long to reach liability decisions and deliver compensation, thereby increasing the cost of the claim."

Mr Rabbitts concluded by calling on brokers and policyholders to help insurers reduce personal injury costs by improving the average time to report new losses.

Richard Foulerton has been appointed to the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager with Allianz Insurance.Mr Foulerton will be based at the firm's head office in Guildford and will be i...

Brokers need to take on board new risk management guidelines offering advice on using tower cranes safely, Allianz Engineering has claimed.The insurer has made these comments in light of a number of f...

The number of employment-related calls made to Allianz's Lawphone helpline has increased by 24 per cent since July.David Vine of Allianz Legal Protection said: "We were hearing of an average of o...