MINIMISING THE RISK
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The IFB has published advice about how to minimise the risk of being targeted by crashfor-cash fraudsters. It recommends staying alert and focused on your driving and the environment you are driving in and keeping a safe distance from vehicles ahead so you can take evasive action, if necessary.
The IFB says drivers should notice if the vehicle they are following appears to have faulty brake lights, displays existing vehicle damage and is driving erratically, or if the driver and passengers are paying an unusual amount of attention to what is taking place behind them.
If an accident occurs and you are suspicious, try to remain calm, call the police immediately and do not admit liability to anyone at the scene.
The IFB also advises you make a comprehensive record, including: the time, date and location; weather conditions when the incident occurred; full names, addresses and date of births of the driver and passengers; and the number of passengers (including where they were sitting) in the vehicle.
It is also recommended you make a note of the damage to the other vehicle and, if possible, take photographs of it, the occupants and the scene.
The IFB acknowledges that it may not be possible to record all this information, but the more you capture, the greater the benefit to your insurer when tackling fraudsters.