Top 5 tips to be sure you don't be a victim of motor insurance fraud

MOTOR insurance fraud affects a large number of British drivers each year.

And with a increase in the amount of "crash for cash" scams, it pays to be ready to dodge potential fraudsters.

According to some study by MoneySuperMarket, fraudulent claims cost the insurance coverage industry a whopping lb780million each year, and drive up premiums for innocent motorists.

The Association of British Insurers recorded 68,000 cases of car insurance policy fraud in 2021, with around 25 per cent of these being related to crash for cash scams.

Fraudsters deliberately cause any sort of accident and then try to claim the other motorist involved was at fault, seeking compensation for damages, injuries and even "phantom" passengers on the victim's insurance.

But the price comparison website has put together some suggestions to make sure drivers aren't ripped off by false claims.

The most essential thing for you personally can do is beware of the potential of a fraudster attempting to cause an accident.
Watching out for erratic drivers and staying a safe distance from the vehicle in front is a good start.

If you're in an accident, you should always call the police and notify your insurer, and be sure never to admit fault to another driver.

Installing a splash cam and taking lots of photos of the accident will also help to prove you aren't to blame.

Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Motor insurance fraud remains a big problem for drivers in the UK.

“Ultimately, it's honest motorists who foot the balance for fraudulent activity because false claims push up the cost of annual premiums by around lb50 per motorist.

"Using the average cost of a fully comprehensive policy currently sitting at lb508 annually, now's a good time to shop around and see if you could be obtaining a better deal."