Allianz UK and DWF Law LLP have resolved a personal injury claim involving Jennifer Parker, of Swadlincote, Derbyshire, resulting in cost savings for the insurer. The claim, valued at over £100,000, was struck out by the court after a finding of fundamental dishonesty.
Parker alleged that she had slipped and fallen on stairs while working as a cleaner, leading to chronic pain that prevented her from working and carrying out household tasks, such as hoovering, using the washing machine and driving. However, investigations found that shortly after the alleged incident, Parker had started a valeting business called Pride N Shine Mobile Valeting Service, and was actively working in a manual role.
Evidence also showed Parker cleaning cars with her partner, with customer reviews describing their work in physically demanding conditions. When her partner became ill, Parker continued to valet cars on her own, contradicting her claim of incapacitation.
Parker was also found to have received more than £10,600 in benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions. Following the disclosure of this evidence, her solicitors withdrew from the case.
The court struck out the claim, leading to savings of more than £150,000, and ordered Parker to pay legal costs of £17,976.
William Stobart, an associate at DWF Law, said that when confronted with her deception, Parker attempted to cover the extent of her deception by making up excuses, but the court was not swayed.
“Allianz rightly have a zero tolerance to fraud, and we were delighted to work in partnership with real teamwork between Allianz and DWF to achieve this result,” he added.
Allianz UK said it identified 33,027 instances of insurance fraud in 2024, amounting to £157.24 million in total value, with a daily average of £430,000. That annual figure is a 10% increase from the £142.38 million recorded in 2023.
The insurer noted that application fraud detection continues to rise, driven by increasing incidents of policy abuse, misrepresentation and identity theft. There is also a growing number of ghost brokers involved in fraudulent policy applications, contributing to a 9% year-on-year increase in prevented fraud.
