Lancashire telegraph
HERE’S what drivers should do if they believe they are a ‘crash for cash’ victim after it was revealed the scam is on the rise across the country.
Aviva has revealed 14 things you should do if you are in an accident and are suspicious it may be fraudulent:
1. Stay calm. Don’t argue with the driver of the other vehicle and/or their passengers.
2. Call the Police immediately while you are still at the scene of the accident, inform them you suspect the accident is a cash for crash scam and ask them to attend the scene
3. Don’t admit liability to the other driver, passenger or anyone else that appears to be connected to them at the scene of the accident. Don’t agree to liability in writing, either.
4. Capture as much information as possible at the scene:
5. the make, model and registration number of the other vehicle
6. the time, date, location and weather conditions at the time of the accident
7. the full name, address, date of birth and gender of the driver and passengers
8. the number of passengers in the other vehicle, including where they were sat in the vehicle immediately after the accident
9. take pictures or video, capturing any damage (or lack thereof) to the other vehicle and the scene of the accident
10. whether the driver of the other vehicle or any of their passengers are complaining of being injured and also if no one is complaining of being injured
11. was the driver reading from a document when dealing with you? Were they overly prepared – did they have a document with their details already recorded?
12. how the other vehicle left the scene of the accident (e.g. driven or towed away). If towed or transported away, make a note of the vehicle and registration number of the vehicle that took the car away, including whether it displayed any business name
13. the names and addresses of any independent witnesses
14. Contact your insurer immediately after the accident to advise them of your suspicions and to provide them with all the information you have recorded. Keep a record of the information you supply to your insurer in case it is needed in the future.
Also – nine tips to minimise the risk of being targetted by the cash for crash fraudsters:
1. Stay alert: Pay attention to your driving and the cars/traffic around you
2. Keep your distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front.
3. Roundabouts and slip roads: fraudsters target roundabouts and slip roads to induce accidents; be especially vigilant in these areas, allowing plenty of space
4. Two cars ahead: there are frequently two cars involved in inducing an accident – the car directly in front and the car in front of that car as well. Both may drive erratically. Allow plenty of space between you and the two cars in front.
5. Check the brake lights: A common trait in many vehicles involved in ‘crash for cash’ is failure of the vehicle’s brake lights. If you notice the car in front brakes and their lights don’t work, remain cautious, allow extra space between you and the vehicle, and perhaps distance your car from theirs.
6. Warning signs: Is the car in front moving particularly slowly or is it slowing down and speeding up for no apparent reason?
7. Driver Behaviour: If the driver in front is focusing on the back of the vehicle, that could be a sign they are looking for an opportunity to induce an accident
8. Passenger Behaviour: Are the passengers in the vehicle in front turning around and looking at you for no reason? They may be looking for a chance to induce an accident.
