A new insurance scam targeting motorists is sweeping across Britain.
Criminals running ‘cash-for-crash’ fraud rings have employed a new tactic dubbed ‘flash-for-cash’. According to an article published by the BBC, criminals are now flashing their lights to grant you right of way from a junction. However, as you exit, the driver speeds forward deliberately causing an accident.
The adoption of this new scam results in a ‘your word against mine’ situation when it comes to apportioning the blame in court.
This latest warning comes from Asset Protection Unit (APU), a company that assists the police and the insurance industry with fraud investigations.
The APU’s Director of Investigative Services said, “By appearing to offer the right of way, the criminal simply continues the journey into a collision, holding the victim at fault for turning across from which, of course, cannot be denied under law.”
Unfortunately, ‘flash-for-cash’ and ‘cash-for-crash’ incidents are not limited to those directly involved.
According to Dave Hindmarsh, a Detective Inspector from the Metropolitan Police, these scams cost insurance companies around £392m a year.
Insurers recoup their losses by adding an extra £50-£100 on every driver’s premium – a financial cost for everyone. This is another example of criminal gangs becoming sophisticated by exploiting loopholes in the insurance claim system.
The Highway Code says, “Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.”
One way of combating the problem is to install a ‘black box’ accident recording system such as those supplied by Vision Techniques. These devices are mounted on the windscreen of the vehicle and effectively act as an independent witness in the event of a collision. www.crashcam.co.uk
Photo: Beware motorists 'flashing' to allow you to pull out.