One-in-eight claims is now seen as suspicious

One-in-eight insurance claims is 'suspicious', the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (Mibi) has found.

The organisation estimates it receives hundreds of claims each year where evidence does not support the case - activity it believes is getting worse.

The not-for-profit company established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles said it was determined to "stamp out" motor insurance claims fraud.

Every year the Mibi makes annual payments in the region of €55m-€60m, receiving thousands of insurance claims.

Since the beginning of the year the Mibi has generated more than €1.8m in fraud savings, while a further 158 new cases have been flagged as suspicious and are being thoroughly investigated.

David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the Mibi, said claims fraud causes a range of problems for Irish motorists, such as increasing the cost of insurance policies and making Irish roads more dangerous.

"Insurance fraud can't be tolerated. It is a scourge on Irish roads," he said.

"It not only adds to the cost of premiums, we also estimate hundreds of injuries are sustained every year because of claims fraud-related activity.

"We will make it as difficult as possible for fraudulent claimants to succeed."