‘Crash-for-cash’ claims rejected

Insurers are scaling up the number of claims declined for suspected fraud, raising the prospect of an end to “crash-for-cash” claims.

Aviva said it had declined 9.5% more fraudulent claims in 2016 than the previous year, due to increases in fraud detection across motor injury, household and liability claims. Whiplash fraud continues to make up the majority of bogus claims, with bodily injury cases accounting for 59% of the total fraud Aviva detects.

Separately, the Times reports that personal injury claim payouts and tax increases are expected to push average car insurance premiums beyond £800 for the first time next month. Researchers said that £100 had been added to average motor polices in the past year.