Majority of taxi drivers targeted by ‘CRASH FOR CASH’ fraudsters in three key urban cities, exclusive new insurance data reveals
- Perry Richardson
- May 10
- 3 min read
Updated: May 12
The specialist taxi insurance provider, Merseyside-based Acorn Insurance, has identified a growing trend of 'crash for cash' fraud incidents targeting taxi drivers.
Data released by Acorn Group, exclusively for TaxiPoint, reveals that the majority of claims are concentrated in the ‘crash for cash’ hotspots of Birmingham, Bristol and London, with cases also rising across the UK.
Over the past two years, Acorn Group’s Fraud and Claims teams have flagged a total of 350 cases as potential 'crash for cash' scams, with a 15% increase over the last 12 months compared to the previous year.
Taxi drivers, especially those operating near pick-up areas without CCTV, are being singled out by fraudsters who deliberately stage accidents to make fraudulent insurance claims. And the fraudsters are becoming more brazen in their approach and tactics, with some of the most popular scams being:
Perpetrators throwing their bikes on the floor and claiming a collision, although no accident has taken place.
Driving slowly and then braking sharply.
Riders targeting reversing vehicles by deliberately driving into them.
Fraudsters are intentionally blocking junctions to make policyholders reverse, while a moped rider approaches from their blind spot in an attempt to cause a collision.
James Fowle, Head of Group Fraud and Claims Strategy, Acorn Group, said: “Fraudsters are becoming more brazen in their tactics, and taxi drivers are often seen as easy targets. We are committed to protecting our customers from these scams by using cutting-edge fraud detection tools and ensuring claims are handled with utmost scrutiny. If any of our customers do fall foul of this type of fraud, our teams work closely with our policy holders to ensure they have level of support they need and are back on the road as quickly as possible.”
Joe O'Connell, Head of Claims at Acorn Group, added: “As fraudulent claims become more prevalent and sophisticated, taxi drivers must take proactive steps to protect themselves. By staying vigilant and following key fraud prevention steps, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to these schemes. Leveraging dashcam footage, verifying passenger details, and promptly reporting suspicious incidents can make all the difference. Awareness and collaboration with insurers are crucial in tackling fraud and ensuring a safer, more secure industry for all."
To combat these scams and protect its customers, Acorn has implemented a robust approach to identifying and managing this type of fraud.
Its specialist intelligence team is trained to detect fraud at an early stage, ensuring swift action against suspicious activities. Enhanced communication with policyholders in suspected fraud cases allows for greater transparency and efficiency, and advanced data analysis and networking tools enables Acorn to identify links between fraudulent claimants.
Avoiding ‘crash for cash’ scams
Acorn Group offers the following guidance:
Invest in dashcams: Cameras that capture front and rear footage – or even 360-degree views – can provide crucial evidence in the event of a staged collision.
Report incidents immediately: Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can increase the chances of fraudsters successfully making a claim against you.
Look around for witnesses – try and get their full contact details.
Document everything: Take detailed notes, photos, and videos at the scene to support your case and aid fraud detection efforts.
Limit personal information sharing: Only provide your vehicle registration number, name, and address. Do not share sensitive details such as your insurance certificate or driving licence with third parties at the scene.
