Motorists tempted to crash for cash

by David Masters

Story link: Motorists tempted to crash for cash

Over one million British drivers have considered deliberately crashing their car to make a fraudulent insurance claim, research by moneysupermarket.com found this week.

Of these, nearly 350,000 have successfully staged an accident.

Male drivers and Londoners were the most likely to consider crashing for cash.

Moneysupermarket.com slammed drivers who crash for cash as desperate and dangerous.

“Desperate times do often call for desperate measures, but surely this is a step too far for British motorists,” said Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com head of motor insurance.

“We have all been affected by the recession in one way or another, but crashing for cash is not only illegal but willfully endangers the lives of others.

“Organised motor fraud not only costs the insurance industry millions, but risks the safety of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”

According to the Association of British Insurers, fraudulent claims cost the insurance industry £1.6 billion per year, and add nearly £40 to the average annual premium.

Drivers caught attempting to make a fraudulent claim will struggle to find insurance cover in the future, moneysupermarket.com warned.

Regardless of how tempting it may seem to get your hands on some extra cash, carrying out organised motor fraud really isn’t worth the risk,” Sweeney said.

“After all, it could end up costing you more in the long run.”