Crash For Cash the facts.
In most collisions where a vehicle is shunted from behind, the driver of the car behind is deemed ‘at fault’. The key element of a Crash for Cash scam is therefore causing an accident for which the other driver can be blamed.
An Induced Accident:
With an induced accident, the fraudster targets an innocent motorist to become the ‘at fault’ driver. Typically the fraudster’s car will pull in front of the victim, slam on the brakes and – if the driver behind can’t stop in time – be shunted from the rear. Fraudsters often disable brake lights on their vehicles to give the unsuspecting victim no chance of stopping in time.
Over the years methods have become increasingly sophisticated, involving more than one participant, decoy vehicles and fake witnesses.
By targeting motorists on UK roads, fraudsters are gambling with the lives of innocent people. Beyond the obvious safety implications, innocent victims of induced accidents can lose their no-claims bonus and see their premium rise following the ‘accident’.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau estimates around 30,000 crash for cash incidents take place every year, costing insurers around £350 million and pushing up premiums for honest, innocent drivers by around £44 each.
Research from a price comparison website found that one in twenty drivers under 35 confessed to have already staging a deliberate accident, while an astonishing 15% would consider doing so to net some additional cash.
Witness cameras, Dash Cams & Drive Recorders
Witness Cameras also known as Dashcams or Drive Recorders, have become more and more popular. They protect drivers from fraudsters and could potentially save drivers hundreds of pounds as well as enable them to hold dangerous drivers to account.
If you are interested in a Witness camera click HERE