YouClaim gains claims management authorisation

YouClaim, the no win, no fee personal injury compensation claim experts, are pleased to announce that they have received their certificate of authorisation, on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, from the Claims Management Regulation Monitoring and Compliance Unit.

On announcing the news, YouClaim General Manager Barry Tyreman commented, "YouClaim welcome regulation of the claims industry and believe it will offer greater protection for people from unscrupulous companies who exploit their misfortune."

The need for claims management companies to seek authorisation under the Compensation Act 2006 comes into affect from 23rd April 2007 and is certain to have a significant impact on the industry.

According to the Compensation Act 2006, all businesses, like YouClaim, whose principal activity is the provision of a claims management service, require a certificate of authorisation from 23rd April 2007. In addition to this, businesses that refer their clients to claims management companies also need authorisation, unless exempted.

Those exempted from the need to be authorised include those already regulated, registered charities, not for profit advice agencies and some trade unions. Small scale introducers, where claims management is incidental to their main business, are also exempt from being authorised if they do not receive payment for more than 25 compensation claim cases per quarter.

The authorisation is being heralded by claims management companies that provide a lifeline to people who have been injured in non-fault accidents and will expose unscrupulous claims companies, who simply seek to exploit the misfortune of others. Unprincipled businesses, who deliberately do not comply with the requirements of the regulations, and ambulance chasers', who solicit business in hospital waiting rooms without permission, will not receive certification and will be operating illegally after 23rd April 2007.

Barry Tyreman went on to say, "Over the past six years, YouClaim and our panel of personal injury solicitors have helped thousands of people to successfully claim for the compensation that they rightly deserve after their involvement in non-fault accidents.

"Now that we are regulated by the Department of Constitutional Affairs in relation to claims management activities, our credentials as an ethical and lawful claims management company are clear to all.

"We have always provided an excellent, honest and cost-free service to our customers and we are delighted that we have official recognition."