'Crash for cash' fraud

‘Crash for cash’ is a form of insurance fraud in which drivers and moped riders stage road traffic collisions to gain compensation. These collisions put motorists at risk and contribute to increased insurance premiums.

There has been a rise in ‘crash for cash’ fraud involving mopeds in the UK. Over 4,000 people were targeted from June 2021 to July 2024, leading to fraudulent insurance claims worth an estimated total of £70 million.

Organised criminal gangs are often behind these incidents and will make fake or exaggerated insurance claims for storage and replacement moped costs. In some cases, fraudsters will cause a crash and try to intimidate victims into handing over money at the scene.

What to look out for

• Beware of single parked vans near junctions. ‘Crash for cash’ moped riders often use them as hiding spots.
• Be wary of moped riders loitering or acting suspiciously in residential areas. Often, they will hang around in small roads off busy high streets before staging a collision.
• ‘Crash for cash’ fraudsters overreact and fake injuries after crashes.
• Moped riders will often keep their helmets on after a collision to avoid identification.

How to protect yourself against ‘crash for cash’ fraud

• Be cautious when on the road and give all drivers adequate distance in front and behind.
• Fitting a dashcam to the front and rear of your vehicle can help deter offenders. If you become victim to, or witness, a ‘crash for cash’ incident, dashcam footage may help prove that an insurance claim is fraudulent. It could also help the police prosecute offenders.
• If you see a suspicious crash, offer to be a witness to the driver. Gather as much information as possible. This could be the make and model of the moped, its number plate or the clothing the moped rider is wearing.
• ‘Crash for cash’ moped riders may try to pressure you into presenting your driving licence and insurance certificate after a collision, which they will photograph on their mobile phone. In some instances, the information on these documents has been used to fraudulently take out insurance policies. Protect your ID from being compromised by only providing the other driver with the insurance information that is legally required. 

If you are involved in, or witness, a collision and suspect it is a ‘crash for cash’ incident, report it to the police via the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s confidential CheatLine on 0800 422 0421 or insurancefraudbureau.org/cheatline. Always call 999 in an emergency.