According to a recent article in the Daily Mail’s This is Money, ‘hide and crash’ is the latest tactic being employed by fraudsters, not only costing insurers £340m a year in fake claims but also putting innocent road users in danger.

For those unfamiliar with hide and crash, the perpetrator hides in the innocent driver’s blind spot before accelerating in front of them and slamming on their brakes meaning a collision is inevitable. They then make a bogus injury claim against the innocent driver.

Reading about such scams may be concerning but help is out there and one of the best methods of protecting yourself is to be armed with knowledge. Research highlighted in the article showed the top five crash for cash tactics that are currently being used, as well as the most common places in which they occur.

In terms of crash for cash tactics, the most commonly used are:

1. Traditional ‘slam on’ accidents – A vehicle in front intentionally slams on the brakes to catch out the driver behind
2. Flash for crash – When a driver flashes their lights to beckon another vehicle forward but then drives into them
3. Crash for ready cash – A third-party requests cash to fix their vehicle after they have induced a collision
4. Hide and crash – A vehicle ‘hides’ in the blind spot of another car before moving in front and braking hard
5. Hire and crash– Where a criminal hires a car and stages an accident with another vehicle, usually someone they know

Additionally, the top five locations where ‘cash for crash’ tactics are deployed include:

1. Major roundabouts

This is a favourite for motoring scam artists as they know drivers can be distracted by multiple road signs and signals

2. Small out-of-town roundabouts

These give fraudsters an easy escape route after a collision and these junctions are rarely policed by CCTV

3. Busy motorways

Again, a fraudster can take advantage of drivers being focused on the fast-moving traffic around them and deploy ‘hide and crash’ attempts on unsuspecting individuals

4. Traffic lights

Scammers know that potential witnesses will be reluctant to stop and help

5. Turning from a side road

Most commonly junctions that are not policed by CCTV or ANPR cameras

On top of being armed with the knowledge of where these incidents might happen, knowing what to do when they do occur is paramount. For us, one of the best ways of being prepared is to implement a dashcam, whether this be via an app with our 4Sight Dash Cam app or using a traditional separate dashcam. Not only will this record the incident so you have evidence on your side when it comes to the claim being made but can also be helpful when it comes to immediately after the incident occurs. For example, with 4Sight, within seconds of the accident taking place, a trained professional will be on the phone to ensure you’re ok and talk you through the post-accident process. This includes getting all the critical details you need from the other person that may help protect you in the future.

Unfortunately, crash for cash schemes are on the rise. But, by arming yourself with knowledge so you can be aware of what might happen and where you’re putting yourself in the best position to avoid becoming a victim. However, if the worst case scenario should occur and you do become targeted then a dashcam is your best defence.

To find out more about our 4Sight Dash Cam app, you can watch our video below.