Deception ploy criticised but allowed

The use of private investigators by insurers who enter the premises of compensation claimants in disguise has been criticised by the lord chief justice, Lord Woolf. He said it was an invasion of privacy. A ruling by the Court of Appeal criticised the practice, but allowed the evidence obtained by the deception to be used in court. Nevertheless, the insurer involved was forced to pay the costs of the application. The insurer said it would not be using the practice again.