Drivers across the UK are being warned to double-check who they contact after a car accident, as rogue accident management companies use misleading adverts and look-alike websites to impersonate legitimate insurers, potentially leaving motorists with bills running into thousands of pounds.
The warning comes from car insurance experts at Hastings Direct, following new figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) showing that 51,900 fraudulent motor insurance claims worth £625 million were detected during 2025. Motor insurance accounted for 55 per cent of all fraudulent insurance claims identified by insurers last year.
Rogue companies target vulnerable drivers
Hastings Direct has highlighted the risks of motorists unknowingly contacting third-party companies after an accident, believing they are speaking directly to their insurance provider. These companies may arrange vehicle recovery, storage, repairs or replacement cars, leaving drivers facing unexpected charges that can quickly escalate.
Steve Hiscock, Head of Commercial (Claims) at Hastings Direct, said: "These rogue operators are catching people at their most vulnerable. In the immediate moments after an accident, drivers are stressed, shaken, and desperate for help. That's exactly when these companies try to take advantage.
"If you call the wrong number, you could lose control of your claim, your car, and face bills running into thousands. These rogue accident management companies can charge over the odds for vehicle storage, repairs and replacement cars. Always check you're speaking directly to your insurer, and not just someone who sounds like them."
Driver faced thousands in charges after contacting wrong company
Hastings Direct shared the experience of one motorist who mistakenly contacted an accident management company after searching online for her insurer's claims number. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, believed she had found her insurance provider's website because it displayed the company's logo.
She said: "I just googled my insurer's name, and their website was the first one that came up. It had the company logo on, so I didn't think twice - just clicked on it and rang the number."
During the telephone conversation, she was asked for personal details, including her driving licence and vehicle registration, but was never asked for her insurance policy number. A recovery vehicle arrived shortly afterwards and took her car away. She was told to call again if she had not heard from her insurer within seven to ten days.
However, when she contacted her actual insurance company the following day to arrange a courtesy car, she discovered it had no record of her initial call. She said: "My insurer had no record of that call. I hadn't spoken to anyone who worked there. That's when the penny dropped. I just thought, 'we're never getting that car back.'"
The woman subsequently received an invoice for vehicle storage. The first 48 hours were charged at a fixed rate, but the cost doubled every 24 hours after that. She warned that waiting the recommended seven to ten days could have resulted in charges running into thousands of pounds.
She added: "It could happen to anyone. It looked so genuine. When you realise what's happened, you feel incredibly embarrassed and silly. But there was no way I could have known that it wasn't legitimate."
Four checks to protect yourself after a car accident
Steve Hiscock has shared four steps motorists can take to avoid contacting rogue accident management companies.
1. Use the claims number on your insurance documents - Drivers should contact their insurer using the telephone number provided in their policy documents, official emails or insurance app rather than relying on an online search. Mr Hiscock warned: "In the moments after a crash, it's tempting to search online for your insurer's number, but this is where rogue companies are most likely to strike."
2. Save your insurer's claims number in your phone - Keeping the correct claims number in your mobile phone contacts means it will be readily available following an accident. This can help drivers avoid searching for contact details while they are shaken or stressed.
3. Check who you are speaking to before sharing personal information - Drivers should confirm the name of the company handling their call and check that it is their actual insurance provider. Warning signs may include someone avoiding identifying their company, using vague descriptions such as "claims team", or failing to carry out appropriate policy checks. If there is any doubt, end the call and contact the insurer using a verified number.
4. Report suspicious activity immediately - Anyone who believes they have contacted a rogue company should notify their insurer as soon as possible. Mr Hiscock advises that insurers may be able to help customers regain control of their claim and prevent further charges. Suspicious or potentially unauthorised financial services activity can also be reported to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Official warning about misleading insurance websites
The FCA has previously identified misleading online adverts and websites as a problem in the motor insurance claims process. In a review of motor insurance claims published in 2025, the regulator highlighted cases of motorists being directed to claims management or accident management companies through websites designed to resemble those of their insurers.
The regulator warned that this could result in delays to claims and additional complications for customers. People can check whether a financial services firm is authorised and has permission for the services it offers using the FCA Firm Checker. The FCA also maintains a Warning List of firms that may be operating without the required authorisation.
Drivers can find further information about accident management companies and the claims process on the Hastings Direct website.
