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TRUCKQUOTE ISSUES TIPS TO STOP CRASH FOR CASH SCAMS

31/07/09

Telford-based haulage insurance experts TruckQuote have issued a list of top tips to help truck drivers avoid being targeted in crash for cash' scams.

TruckQuote says that staged accidents involving haulage vehicles are definitely on the increase and have circulated advice to help client companies and their employees recognise the ploys of would-be criminal claimants.

There is no doubt that accidents are being caused deliberately by people keen to claim on insurance from haulage companies and drivers need to be aware of the dangers ñ which could lead to personal injury as well as to substantial insurance claims,î said TruckQuote marketing manager Nicky Spencer.

Scams used by today's criminals on the road include approaching a junction, roundabout or intersection and then suddenly and needlessly jamming on the brakes leading to a rear end collision, and also using a no-stop' vehicle driven erratically by one gang member to cause a car driven by another gang member to break violently immediately in front of a truck leading to a rear-end collision.

The criminals then claim compensation, often with the help of bogus witnesses and other parties that might be involved in the scam, for injuries, vehicle damage, replacement vehicle hire, loss of earnings and other uninsured costs. A successful scam can typically net the criminals a staggering £20,000 to £40,000.

The consequences of staged accidents include the risk of serious injury, or even death, the trauma of dealing with the consequences of an accident that, despite appearances, was not the fault of the truck driver and the impact on claims experience involving a consequent rise in insurance premiums.î

So what can a truck driver do to combat the growing menace of crash for cash' scams? Prevention is the best defence, says Nicky:

1. Never tailgate - allow plenty of space between you and the car ahead
2. Look beyond the car in front. If you see erratic driving up ahead, slow down and be ready to brake hard - remember the intended victim might be you
3. Carry a pen and paper for taking notes and keep in the glove box a disposable camera or mobile phone for taking photos
4. Consider fitting forward-facing video cameras and announce their presence with stickers on the back of your truck ñ this isn't cheap but could prove invaluable

If you are unlucky enough to be involved in what you suspect is a crash for cash' scam you need take certain steps, in addition to exchanging names, addresses, insurance details and so on,î adds Nicky. Her advice is:


Stay calm, think clearly and, as with any accident, don't admit liability
If a no-stop' vehicle is involved, try to get its number - or at least a brief description - as it leaves the scene
Call the police, but be careful - you're dealing with criminals. A call from your cab to your Transport Manager could in fact be a call to the police
If there's the slightest indication of injury, call an ambulance as well - note how the car's occupants respond to the emergency services' involvement
Use a disposable camera or your mobile phone to photograph the immediate scene, road markings and damage to the car involved
Count the number of occupants in the car ñ the number can grow in the days following the accident
Get the names, addresses and dates of birth of all the occupants and make a note of where they were sitting in the car
Be very careful about photographing the car's occupants ñ though if the victims accidentally get into your shots, that might prove useful
Look for independent witnesses ñ avoid anyone who's too enthusiastic, though, they might be in on the scam. Get their names and addresses
Look for CCTV cameras in the vicinity and tell your insurer as soon as possible so there's a good chance of recovering footage
Share your concerns with your insurers ñ they're as keen as you are to take action against crash for cash' criminals
Call the confidential Insurance Fraud Bureau Cheatline on 0800 328 2550 with any information you feel may be relevant ñ the IFB is working closely with local police forces to expose and crush the criminal networks involved.

If you have any comments about the kind of thing youd like to hear about on The Wagon Reel, please drop us a line at thewagonreel@truckquote.co.uk


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