Stopping the 'Crashes for cash'

Last Modified: 16 Jan 2007
By: Rags Martel

How do you stop the fraudsters who deliberately have accidents for the insurance pay out?

Watch the report

Imagine you're driving a car. Without warning, the car in-front suddenly stops, causing you to crash into the back of it.

This might not be an accident, but a deliberately-staged collision - known as Crash For Cash.

By forcing unsuspecting drivers to crash into the backs of their cars - and then filing an inflated insurance claim - fraudsters are exploiting a legal loophole that ensures there is virtually automatic admission of liability.

It's a growing crime - and this afternoon a Conservative MP staged a debate on the crime in Parliament saying:

"I hope I have persuaded the government of the seriousness of this issue. It is one of the most startling forms of fraud.

It targets innocent motorists in a disgraceful way and is a significant and growing threat to public safety." - Richard Bacon MP

Rags Martel reports.

Have you been affected?

If you have any information, or feel you have been a victim of a Crash-For-Cash scam, call the Insurance Fraud Bureau cheat-line on 0800 328 2550 or e-mail Rags Martel on rags.martel@itn.co.uk.

Related links
Law & Order
Insurance Fraud Bureau