DRIVERS are being warned of a significant spike in the rate of a crafty insurance scam, particularly targeting “mums and female motorists”.
Experts say they have seen an “exponentially massive rise” in the fraud over recent years.
Motorists are encouraged to be vigilant against so-called cash-for-crash scams on UK roads.
This is when someone deliberately crashes into a vehicle in order to manufacture a dodgy insurance claim.
Often, it involves staging the crash to make it look like the unsuspecting driver is at fault.
For example, footage emerged last year of pedestrians stopping on crossings and throwing themselves onto the bonnet of a car to try and make an injury claim.
Other tactics include things like brake checking to force a rear-end smash, based on the myth that whoever was behind is automatically at fault.
But cash-for-crash methods have been growing increasingly sophisticated, which insurance firms put down to the involvement in organised gangs.
Crooks often use cheap mopeds and hour-by-hour insurance coverage designed for delivery drivers to try and secure a big payout for minimal investment.
Stuart Stevens, Direct Line’s head of intelligence, told The Telegraph: “It’s more foreseeable that someone on a motorbike would be injured rather than someone that’s in the protection of the car.
“These moped riders sometimes look for quiet areas, so there are no witnesses.
“They’ll look for people that are on their own in the car.”
He added that they often target mums with young children and solo female drivers, who they feel they can intimidate more easily.
Roundabouts are also “geographical hotspots” for fraud given that many Brits find them to be one of the most confusing common road layouts.
Direct Line estimates that incidences of fraudulent cash-for-crash claims had increased four times over in the past year alone.
Keep an eye out for anyone who looks like they might have crashed into you deliberately, especially on a moped, and make sure to collect their details and not let them drive of.
Fortunately, there are five simple steps you can take to protect yourself against the crime.
The simplest is to buy a dash cam which you can use to provide evidence in the event of an insurance claim.
But you can also appeal for witnesses and take your own evidence photos on your phone too.
Always contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau if you suspect you have fallen victim to a scam.
How to avoid cash for crash scams
- Get a dashcam – it could be vital to prove who was at fault
- Take lots of pictures – including of any damage and of the other vehicle’s number plate
- Make notes – take down the other person’s name, address, insurance provider and a description of their motor
- Ask around – see if you can get hold of witnesses and dashcam/CCTV/doorbell footage from others
- Reach out – tell your insurer about the crash and report any suspicious collisions to the IFB
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