The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has backed a government plan for independent medical panels to assess whiplash injuries.

There were almost 500,000 whiplash claims in the UK last year, costing insurers £2 billion ($3.35 billion) in payouts and leading to an average premium rise of £90 ($150) for drivers.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling says the panels will ensure only evidence from accredited professionals can be considered.

“It’s not right that people who cheat the insurance system get away with it while forcing up the price for everyone else,” he said.

BIBA Executive Director Graeme Trudgill says the panels should standardise diagnosis, “making it more accurate and less open to fraud, reducing the costs for honest policyholders”.

“Britain is the whiplash capital of Europe, but we don’t believe that’s because we have the weakest necks,” he said.

New statistics from motoring group the AA show UK motor insurance premiums are falling at the fastest rate since 1994.

The average comprehensive policy price dropped 12.3% in the year to October, to £568 ($952) from £648 ($1086) the previous year.