Birmingham has been ranked as England’s “Crash for Cash” capital by research carried out by Aviva.
Crash for Cash scams are run by fraudsters who manufacture collisions, sometimes with innocent road users, hoping to profit from fraudulent insurance claims.
The research also showed that Oldham was in the top 10 hotspots.
If you have been in an accident and you are suspicious, make sure you take the following steps:
- Don’t admit liability for anything at the scene
- Don’t challenge the other driver directly with your suspicions
- Make written notes of what happened. Take descriptions of the other driver/passengers along with what is said
- Take photographs of the scene and damage to the vehicles. Do it discreetly if you can
- Insist on calling the police
- Check for independent witnesses, but be aware that gangs can plant witnesses as part of the scam
- Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible and tell them about your suspicions
- Report the incident to the Insurance Fraud Bureau, either through their website www.insurancefraudbureau.org by calling their Cheatline on 0800 422 0421.
If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, we can help you obtain genuine compensation that you deserve. Please speak to Shalish Mehta, a solicitor in our civil and commercial litigation department.
