Crash for Cash: How to Avoid Rising Insurance Scam

Road safety experts have warned that insurance fraudsters are intentionally crashing into UK motorists in their thousands.

Smart automotive technology provider Road Angel is advising motorists on the four things to do to avoid becoming a victim of the epidemic known as ‘crash for cash’.

In the latest twist on traditional ‘crash for cash’ scams, swindlers on mopeds drive head-first into unsuspecting motorists up and down the country.

The insurance industry has recorded thousands of victims, with ‘crash for cash’ costing the law-abiding public an estimated £392 million a year* in higher premiums.

With scammers adapting their approach to manufacturer motoring collisions, thousands more drivers may need to be made aware they are being deceived.

A moped fraudster usually hides out of sight around a corner and rides head-on into the victim’s vehicle, throwing their own to the ground before taking photos of the incident.

While the traditional ‘crash for cash’ scam involves the con artist slamming on the brakes hoping the innocent driver behind them can’t stop in time.

Sadly, The shakedowns cause countless injuries and, more distressingly, fatalities in extreme cases.

Some fraudsters will use an accomplice to either drive erratically in front to divert the victim’s suspicions or to obscure their view making the scam easier to carry out.

Gary Digva, the visionary behind Road Angel, warns motorists that incidences of these scams are on the rise, but there are driving habits that will help keep them safe.

He said: “Drivers need to be aware that fraudsters are causing motoring collisions intentionally every day, so they should know what to look out for.

“Allowing plenty of space to the vehicle in front and looking well ahead will give drivers enough time to anticipate possible hazards.

“Be wary if a vehicle in front is driving erratically and focus on the vehicles themselves as fraudsters will often turn off their brake lights.

“If you are in a collision and think you may have been a ‘crash for cash’ victim, don’t confront the driver; instead, record as much information as you can and inform your insurer.

“Be especially wary if the other driver appears to be unphased or exaggerates their injuries, but even if you suspect this, it is best not to confront them there and then.

“The best form of evidence is recorded footage from CCTV or ideally your dash cam that can be submitted to police and prove your innocence.”

How to avoid ‘Cash for Crash’ scams as recommended by Road Angel:

 Look Well Ahead and Keep a Good Distance

They allow a minimum two-second gap to the vehicle in front in dry conditions, rising to four seconds in wet. On roads with faster-flowing traffic or reduced visibility, could you increase the gap to give you enough time to react to a scammer in front slamming on their brakes and look well ahead for mopeds coming out of side roads towards you?

Be Wary of Erratic Driving

If the vehicle in front is driving erratically or slowing down for no apparent reason, this should ring the alarm bells, so stay well back and don’t allow them to induce an incident. Pay particular attention if another vehicle you have noticed driving erratically flashes its headlights at you to proceed. Similarly, if you see a car driving erratically, indicating to turn into the junction you are waiting at, don’t assume that they will turn and wait.

Keep an Eye Out for Suspicious Behaviour

If another vehicle is in poor condition and the driver or passenger behaves suspiciously, stay calm and keep well back. The poor state of another vehicle includes faulty brake lights that may have been turned off intentionally. Always give yourself enough time to react.

 Keep a Thorough Record of Events

If you are in a collision you suspect may have been staged or induced, the key to not becoming a victim of a ‘crash for cash’ scam is to gather evidence of the incident calmly. Don’t admit liability; take photographs of the scene and make notes that can be submitted to your insurer. Seek out an independent witness if you can. Ideally, if you have a dash cam installed, you will have recorded evidence of the incident that can be submitted to the police.

For more information about Dash Cams and other innovative automotive safety solutions to avoid insurance scams, please visit https://www.roadangelgroup.com/.

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