Drivers warned of spike in crash for cash accident scams as restrictions end

Insurers are warning that scammers could increase their activity as restrictions end

Insurer names fraud hotspots as it predicts rise in criminal activity

One of the UK’s biggest car insurers is warning motorists to be on the lookout for criminals staging accidents as traffic levels return to normal.

As the final easing of lockdown approaches, Ageas Insurance is predicting a sharp increase in the number of “crash for cash” scams where fraudsters deliberately cause collisions then make inflated insurance claims for injuries and damage.

Following the easing of lockdown in July 2020, the insurer saw a 150 per cent increase in “induced collision” cases and is predicting a similar jump this year as criminals take advantage of rising traffic levels to target innocent victims.

Frausters often exaggerate their injuries or damage claims in the wake of crash for cash collisions

Shocking crash for cash footage shows the moment criminals deliberately cause a ...

Robin Challand, claims director at Ageas Insurance, says: “Lockdowns made it harder for crash for cash scammers to operate because with less traffic on the road it made it more difficult to disguise their actions. But as restrictions are lifted and road use returns to more normal levels, that’s when we see these criminals start to re-emerge and put innocent motorists at risk by causing accidents.

“We’re urging motorists to be vigilant and be aware of some of the tell-tale signs of a scam.”

Crash for cash scams work in a number of ways but one of the most common and dangerous methods is for criminals to deliberately cause an accident with an innocent driver. They then make exaggerated or completely false claims for damage to their vehicle or personal injuries.