The number of people making insurance claims for whiplash injuries following motoring accidents has risen by a quarter in the past five years, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has revealed.

Insurers now face an annual bill of almost £2 billion to settle such claims, helping to force car insurance premiums up.

As well as impacting on the insurance industry, whiplash injuries cost the NHS around £8 million a year.

ABI director general Stephen Haddrill said it is time for the government, the medical profession and the legal sector to join the insurance industry in attempting to cut the number of claims.

"Whiplash imposes unacceptable costs to individuals, businesses and the state. Insurers want to reduce whiplash, provide fast care and compensation, and tackle fraudulent claims. But we cannot do this alone," he explained.

The body called for the government to reinforce to new drivers the importance of keeping a safe distance between cars and legislate to ensure motor traders have to show car buyers how to adjust head restraints correctly.

Earlier this year the ABI asked the government to consider imposing restrictions on the number of passengers newly-qualified drivers are permitted to carry, in a bid to cut the number of road deaths.

A recent police campaign in Tayside may help cut the number of car insurance claims in the area, it has been suggested.The force revealed it conducted a 24-hour crackdown on a variety of motoring offe...

Motorists keen to buy a vehicle that can help them protect the competitive deal they have secured on over-50s car insurance may be impressed with the Honda Accord's performance in a recent safety asse...

Thames Valley police stopped more than 550 motorists last week for a range of offences, including driving without car insurance.During the five-day initiative, officers worked with representatives fro...