Younger drivers crashing for cash
Recession-hit drivers in the UK are resorting to dangerous measures to make extra cash, according to moneysupermarket.com. Research from the comparison site reveals 15 per cent of motorists under 35 would consider staging a motor accident to claim on their insurance. Worryingly, one in 20 younger drivers admit to having already successfully done so.
The research also reveals that overall, 1.7 million motorists (five per cent) are a dangerous threat to themselves and other road users by considering staging a motor accident to claim on their insurance. Two per cent admit to having already successfully done so.
The insurance industry separates this type of motor insurance fraud into three categories:
‘Staged' motor accidents; two vehicles deliberately knock into each other in order to claim on insurance.
‘Contrived' motor accidents; a fabricated claim for a motor incident that never took place.
‘Induced' motor accidents; a deliberate action by a motorist to force an innocent driver to crash into them, such as braking suddenly so they are hit from behind.
The research found men are twice as likely to have staged a motor accident (seven per cent compared to three per cent of women). In addition, Londoners are the riskiest behind the wheel - 13 per cent have or would consider committing motor fraud compared to just two per cent of those living in the East of England.
Steve Sweeney, head of car insurance at moneysupermarket.com said: "Desperate times do often call for desperate measures, but surely this is a step too far for British motorists. We have all been affected by the recession in one way or another, but crashing for cash is not only illegal but wilfully endangers the lives of others.
"According to recent ABI figures, last year over 2,000 dishonest insurance claims worth more than £16 million were detected every week. Our research reveals there are many more motorists causing this type of fraud and getting away with it. Organised motor fraud not only costs the insurance industry, but risks the safety of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians. In addition, fraudulent claims cause insurers to increase premiums for honest motorists as they try to recuperate their losses.
"Any motor insurance claim proved to involve an organised accident will be considered as fraudulent by an insurer, and is likely to have drastic, long-term affects on your motoring as a consequence. If found guilty, an official "fraud mark" could be added to your license; this will prompt your insurer to void existing cover and probably refuse you cover in the future. In addition, insurers are also likely to pass your details to the police for prosecution.
"Regardless of how tempting it may seem to get your hands on some extra cash, carrying out organised motor fraud whether it is ‘staged', ‘contrived' or ‘induced', it really isn't worth the risk. After all, it could end up costing you more in the long run."