Warning over 'Flash-For-Cash' Car Accident Insurance Scam

As Insurance fraud tops £1bn a year, a new warning has been issued about a scam that relies on drivers "flashing headlights" as an invitation to pull out of a junction and then crashing into the driver on purpose.

Once named "crash for cash" bulbs were removed from brake lights so the driver behind didn't know the car infront was stopping.

Anti fraud experts are calling the new scam "flash-for-cash" and are suggesting it's costing insurers hundreds of millions of pounds every year.

It is thought that criminals are more likely to target new vehicles and vulnerable people such as older people and women with children in the car.

"Flash for cash" is harder to prove in court and gangs can profit to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds per "accident".

Claims have been made using this scam for Whiplash and compensation has been requested for; people who weren't even in the car, loss of earnings, vehicle storage, recovery, repairs, and replacement car hire.

Detective Inspector Dave Hindmarsh from the Metropolitan Police says "Financially it costs insurers £392m a year - that impacts on motorists as it's an extra £50 to £100 on every person's premium so that's a financial cost."

We are told not to assume that flashing headlights is an "invitation signal" and we should always use our own judgement when deciding to pull out of a road junction.

As specialist personal injury and whiplash solicitors we can assist with a wide range of compensation claims.

In the first instance please call our Stockport team on 0845 603 0708 if you would like to discuss making a claim.

Stockport Car Accident Claims

Tel: 0845 603 0708