Crash for cash: the motor scam targeting vulnerable drivers

Travelling on the road shouldn’t be stressful, but unfortunately there are scammers out there who want to take advantage of the potential dangers to make some quick cash.

Have you ever heard of the “crash for cash” scam? These scams involve staged accidents designed to make it look like a vulnerable, innocent driver is at fault, so that they can profit from fraudulent insurance claims.

At Everywhen, we want to help you stay aware of scams like these, so you can protect yourself from fraudsters. In this article we’ll explain what a crash for cash scam is, and what you can do if you think you’ve been targeted.

A “crash for cash” scam is relatively simple and can happen in a few different ways. We’ll be focusing on the kind that targets other drivers.

You’ll be driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly the car in front of you stops without any brake lights on. Caught off guard and unable to stop in time, you end up rear-ending the vehicle in front of you. Suddenly, you’ve become the ‘at fault’ driver.

There’s also a variation of the scam where the fraudster flashes their lights at you to beckon you out of a junction, only to suddenly drive forward when you start moving, and cause a crash. They’ll claim that they were driving along normally, making you the ‘at fault’ driver once again¹.

Scammers often try to target more vulnerable drivers who are likely to have insurance and are less likely to challenge them, such as:

Mums with children

Older drivers

Drivers with well-maintained cars

Drivers with cars with private plates

Here are some steps you can take if you’re being targeted by a scammer:

Don’t admit liability for anything

Look for independent witnesses (though be careful, as sometimes scammers plant fake witnesses at the scene to help with the scam)

Don’t let the other driver know that you suspect them of scamming

Write down the description of the scene, the damage, the other driver, and anyone else involved in the crash.

Look for independent witnesses (though be careful, as sometimes scammers plant fake witnesses at the scene to help with the scam)

Take discreet photos if you can

Tell the other driver you plan to call the police. This might cause them to back off, or at the very least you can tell the police of your suspicions when they arrive

Report the incident to your insurer and let them know you suspect fraud

Report the incident to the Insurance Fraud Bureau Cheatline²

A “crash for cash” scam may be simple in theory, but it’s also very risky and can cause genuine accidents and injuries. It also has a knock-on effect for other innocent drivers, as the fraud pushes up insurance premiums – it’s estimated to add around £50 to them^{1, 2}.

There’s no way to completely remove the risk of being a victim of a scam, but there are some ways you can minimise the likelihood of being targeted:

Allow plenty of space between your car and cars in front of you

Watch out for cars that are driving strangely, or braking suddenly for no apparent reason

Don’t assume that a car flashing its headlights is a signal for you to proceed

You may also want to consider installing a dashboard camera in your car, just in case you are targeted by a scammer. Dashboard cameras continuously record onto an SD card while you’re driving, and they can easily be loaded onto a computer to view or share the footage with the police, insurers or Insurance Fraud Bureau. This can give you video evidence if a fraudulent claim is made.

Having the right car insurance in place can make a real difference, especially with the rise in “crash for cash” fraud. These incidents can be stressful, time‑consuming and costly, even when you’re not at fault. Having cover in place means that you’re supported if the unexpected happens.

At Everywhen, we’re here to make sure your policy gives you the protection and reassurance you need. If you’d like to review your cover or explore your options, simply give us a call on 01792 522 622 - we’re ready to help you stay one step ahead.

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Should you have any queries, we recommend that you consult the appropriate professional adviser.

The links provided in this document are for reference only. Please note that we are not responsible for the content of any linked site.

Sources:

1. https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/crash-for-cash

2. https://www.insurancefraudbureau.org/en/cheatline

3. https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/crash-for-cash

4. https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/legal/crash-for-cash