How fraudsters are using low-speed collisions to scam the insurance industry… and adding up to £90 a year to YOUR car insurance
New research has revealed the most common fraudulent motor insurance claims, as incidences rise year on year
FRAUDSTERS could be adding as much as £90 to the average driver's insurance policy, with false insurance claims on the rise.
New research suggests that cases of car insurance fraud in the UK have increased since 2015, with low-speed collisions now accounting for over a third of all claims.
, the study found that claims where small accidents were exaggerated rose to 36 per cent, while incidences of people trying to claim injury compensation for passengers not present at the time of the crash was up by two per cent in the last two years.
The rise in the most common type of fraud involving low-speed collisions suggested an increase in cases of innocent motorists being accused of inflicting damage in tight areas such as car parks.
Fraudsters often exploit existing wear and tear, dents and other vehicle issues by claiming they are the fault of a random driver.
Low-speed collision claims also see opportunists exaggerate or make false claims about injuries suffered during an accident, with whiplash the most commonly feigned injury.
“Fraudulent car insurance claims are on the rise, as opportunists try their luck at making exaggerated claims after a genuine accident or reporting injuries to phantom passengers, which have a knock-on financial effect on innocent customers," Mark Chiappino, counter fraud manager at Churchill said.
Chiappino also offered some advice to drivers who are concerned they may have been involved in a potentially suspicious collision.
“When involved in a collision, whether it’s your fault or that of another driver, try to gather as much information at the scene to make the claims process easier," he said.