Staged accidents are costing the insurance industry millions each year as fraudsters deliberately cause an accident with an innocent driver or an accomplice in another car, in order to make an inflated or false insurance claim.
A staged accident can involve anyone and drivers need to be aware of tell-tale signs, such as the motorist in front breaking suddenly or driving erratically for no apparent reason.
Of course, most accidents are genuine, but it is vital that the industry as a whole is aware of the indicators to help identify potential fraudulent claims and ensure these are defended robustly.
These despicable people are now targeting the rental industry, however they are starting to fight back at the first point of call, by getting more information about these people when they first hire a car and why they want to hire in the first place.
Now they have issued warnings to the innocent motorist such as if you suspect you have been involved in a staged accident raise your concerns with your insurer, don’t say anything at the time just take the other person’s insurance details. Call the police if any injury has occurred; take pictures of not just the car but all the passengers involved by all parties.
Finally try and find an independent witness, but be wary as they may offer help but in fact be involved in the scam.
This just makes my blood boil so I am keeping quite before I go off on one!
FemaleFirst Jackie Violet