Here we explain how crash for cash insurance scammers prey on vulnerable motorists to make dishonest cash from claims. We can also advise you on best practice and the recommended equipment supplied by ACSS.
There are three types of ‘crash for cash’:
- The staged accident: fraudsters crash their vehicles together or mimic damage from a genuine crash.
- The induced accident: the fraudsters target an innocent motorist to become the ‘at-fault driver’, for example by deliberately slamming on the breaks of their car to ensure the car behind crashed into them.
- The ghost accident’: fraudsters submit completely fabricated claims for accidents which never actually took place.
Hide-and-crash’ is the latest evolution of tactic to
Most of us have heard of the term ‘crash for cash, especially Fleet Managers. This is where fraudsters deliberately crash into vehicles of innocent motorists or submit false claims for accidents. This is not only putting lives at risk by staging accidents but costing honest drivers millions of pounds.
A November 2012 report from the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) suggests that so-called crash-for-cash scams are costing honest drivers £392m a year in inflated car insurance premiums.
What can you do to protect your Fleet?
- Maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
- Stay alert
- Gather information if the worst-case scenario happens
- Install dashcam, this is the most solid evidence you can use in your defence
- Look out for warning signs, are the vehicles purposely driving slowly or driving at different speeds for no reason?
How can ACSS help?
Our AdvancedDashcam Camera provides HD video images in association with the onboard shock sensors, providing FNOL (first notification of loss) data and real-time driving behaviour information. The 128GB internal memory negates the need for unreliable SD cards, whilst the 3G, WiFi & Bluetooth ensures the information is sent swiftly and securely.
With our solution, you will see instant results allowing you to manage company reputation, improve driver behaviour, save on vehicle costs, complying with the latest insurance requirements and reduce the amount of time taken to resolve disputes.
