'Crash for Cash' scam

dacouch

Pufzy wrote: »

Why do they get away with it - it's putting lifes at risk. I am told they pick on lone woman , but you could be pregnant or have a small child in the back they can't see. It makes your blood boil doesn't it.:mad:

Some of the hallmarks of crash for cash scams are they often involve one of more of the following.

Time : Very Early Morning or Late at night

Locations : Quiet Roads

The above are to reduce the chances of other witnesses.

If you have an accident it is wise to take photographs of the driver and any passengers along with making a note of the names of the driver and any passengers. Also take photos of how the cars end up, the damage to both cars, any skid marks, road markings, road signs and the view you had as you approached the accident.

the above can be very helpful to your Insurer, bear in mind without the above all they have is the accident report form you fill out and the other drivers report form (Which will normally not agree with your report). The above can help them see a better picture of the accident circumstances and also helps if they get any injury claims in

Oscar_The_Grouch

dacouch wrote: »

If you have an accident it is wise to take photographs of the driver and any passengers along with making a note of the names of the driver and any passengers. Also take photos of how the cars end up, the damage to both cars, any skid marks, road markings, road signs and the view you had as you approached the accident.

Most mobile phones come with a camera so this shouldn't be a problem. If, however, you have a valuable phone, I always suggest people buy a "one use" camera from Boots or similar and keep it in the glovebox. Start taking photos with that and if there is no objection, you can then move to using the phone too.

The last thing you want is someone to object to the photos and try to smash your phone!!

Sally_A

There is a hotbed of this in North London/Watford at the moment.

The scammers vehicles tend to be 10+ years old with a tow bar (or a boot full of breeze blocks???).

I would be so tempted to, if I was in any doubt to not give my insurance details at the scene, but post them to them (so you have their address) and tell them I was in the process of moving, so can't give them a sound contact address (the devil in me would ask "Would you like my works address at the solicitors/police station - all bluff, but would like to see their reaction).

Pufzy

All very good advice. Cheers.
My husband was not happy that I gave my home address to them direct and on second thoughts it wasn't a wise move. At the time I just wasn't thinking straight. He just kept on and on about swopping details even though I was on the phone to the police and then my husband.

dacouch

Sally_A wrote: »

There is a hotbed of this in North London/Watford at the moment.

The scammers vehicles tend to be 10+ years old with a tow bar (or a boot full of breeze blocks???).

I would be so tempted to, if I was in any doubt to not give my insurance details at the scene, but post them to them (so you have their address) and tell them I was in the process of moving, so can't give them a sound contact address (the devil in me would ask "Would you like my works address at the solicitors/police station - all bluff, but would like to see their reaction).

It would not make much difference, the scammers tend to know the system and they (As can anyone) find your Insurance details from your registration number. They then (Or more likely their solicitors) simply correspond with your Insurers

Sally_A

It would be nice if insurers could publish a list of guidelines of what to do after the event if you thought you were victim of a scam, eg photos, do you give all your details at the scene etc etc.

Whilst I appreciate you would still probably lose your ncb, if a successful conviction was made using info you had provided that they reinstated it, albeit probably a couple of years on.