Motorists install cameras to combat crash for cash claims

Motorists are installing video cameras in their cars to combat ‘crash for cash’ fraud claims.
 
The devices, known as ‘dash-cams, record the view through the windscreen and capture events before, during and after a collision.
 
The recorded footage can also be used by defendants against accusations of lane-hogging or tailgating on motorways following new fixed penalty legislation which came into force in August.‎
 
Halfords is introducing new in-car camera products in response to this growing demand - making the technology that has been widely used by the emergency services for many years accessible to all motoristswho want to film their journeys for protection.
 
The Insurance Fraud Bureau estimates around 30,000 ‘crash for cash’ incidents take place every year, costing insurers around £350 million and pushing up premiums for honest, innocent drivers by around £44 each.
 
A new tactic that is being used by increasingly bold frausters has also emerged this year. They flash their headlights to give victims the impression they are being allowed to join a main road but then accelerate in order to hit the unsuspecting driver side-on.
 
Halfords in-car technology manager Alec James said: “Following an incident people are often reluctant to admit guilt and risk losing their no claims discount*. In addition, the surge in fraudulent so-called ‘crash for cash’ claims is causing genuine concern among innocent drivers.
 
“The range of recording devices we now offer means that we can provide drivers with the means to produce evidence of how an incident occurred and who is at fault should the need arise.”
 
The new in-car cameras are available in Halfords stores as well as halfords.com.