Drivers are being urged to never leave home without a pen, paper and a £50 dashcam as a motoring expert warns that a common scam is on the rise. The scam, known as 'crash-for-cash', is designed to extort innocent drivers by forcing them into collisions to claim compensation payouts.
Record Levels of Insurance Fraud
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) received a record 9,400 reports of insurance fraud last year, highlighting the growing scale of the problem. While deliberately braking in front of unsuspecting drivers remains a common tactic, the IFB has recently highlighted new methods emerging across the UK, including the so-called 'roundabout trap', where fraudsters deliberately move into the wrong lane at busy roundabouts to trigger a collision.
Expert Advice: Use Your Phone as a Voice Recorder
Katie Ackerley, motoring expert at GSF Car Parts, warns that purchasing a dashcam and recording conversations following a collision could save drivers thousands of pounds. She said: 'Once it's safe to do so, use your phone's voice recorder to talk through exactly what happened after a collision. Most drivers don't carry a pen and paper anymore, but almost everyone has their phone to hand. Record where the collision took place, the weather conditions and anything else you remember. It only takes a minute, but those details could prove crucial if a claim is later disputed.'
Increase Following Distance and Take Wide-Angle Photos
While the Highway Code recommends leaving a two-second gap between vehicles, Ackerley urges drivers to leave even more space on busy roads and around roundabouts. Many 'crash-for-cash' scams rely on drivers not having enough time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. She also advises taking photos of the wider scene, not just close-up damage: 'Take photos of the wider scene too, including road markings, signs and where the vehicles ended up. These details can be vital if there's a dispute about what happened.'
Red Flags and Dashcam Benefits
Ackerley warns drivers not to admit fault at the roadside and to treat any attempt to settle privately or avoid contacting insurers as a red flag. She added: 'A dashcam could be one of the best investments a driver makes. Even a basic model can capture vital evidence and help prove exactly what happened after a collision. With some dashcams costing as little as £50, it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind they can provide if a claim is challenged.'
Additional Precautions
Drivers are also advised to exchange details through official channels and report any suspicious behaviour to their insurer as soon as possible. The Insurance Fraud Bureau recommends motorists remain vigilant for unusual driving behaviour and report suspected crash-for-cash incidents through its confidential CheatLine service.
