A report from insurer Aviva claims that ‘crash for cash’ cases on the UK’s roads increased by 51% in 2013 – the highest level ever recorded by the company.
The term ‘crash for cash’ refers to motor accidents that are caused on purpose, and according to Aviva the total cost in 2013 of such cases was over £10m.
Aviva’s head of claims fraud, Tom Gardiner, said of their findings:
“The fast growth of induced accidents on our roads is cause for serious concern. Fraudsters are prepared to put the safety of innocent motorists’ and their families and passengers at risk for their own personal gain. Fraudulent accidents also divert significant public resources such as police, ambulances, emergency services and court time away from real need.”
In total, Aviva is dealing with more than 6,000 motor injury claims linked to organised fraud activity and Tom Gardiner continued by calling for tighter restrictions and tougher sentences for fraudsters:
“We believe that convictions for motor injury fraud resulting from induced accidents should result in more custodial sentences that recognise the unique physical harm that this form of insurance fraud poses to motorists, as well as the wider social costs. Stronger sentences will deter would-be fraudsters and help to keep roads safer and premiums lower for customers.”
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