A telematics-based car insurer has claimed a first after its data was successfully used to defend proceedings brought against one of its policyholders. The judge found the ‘black box’ data from the policyholder’s car to be “overwhelming” and dismissed the claim.

A change to the standard directions that would allow parties to agree a 28-day extension to time limits without the need for court approval would not signal the major policy change that some claimant lawyers think it will, a leading defendant lawyer has argued.

Motor insurers “appear to be taking a gamble” on the claims cost savings that may arise from the personal injury reforms as premiums continue to fall, it was claimed yesterday. The average cost of a comprehensive policy has fallen by 13.9% in the last 12 months.

Irwin Mitchell is claiming to have won the first ever ruling punishing a losing defendant for rejecting an offer to mediate the costs of their dispute. Partner Tom Blackburn said the ruling was “exciting” because it applied to all forms of litigation, not just medical negligence..

Twelve test cases over how three law firms handled of right to buy conveyancing transactions – setting out the stall for around 2,100 professional negligence claims in all – are to be heard in the High Court tomorrow.