Fleet drivers are being warned that crash-for-cash gangs are using increasingly targeted tactics, including attempts to obtain personal information and demand immediate payment.
The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department investigated more than £25.3 million of suspected cases between 2021 and 2025. Around three-quarters involved staged or deliberately induced collisions.
Fleets should give drivers a simple procedure to follow after any suspicious incident:
- Do not hand over a driving licence, bank details or cash.
- Photograph the vehicles, road position, damage and surrounding area.
- Record witness details and retain dashcam footage.
- Contact the fleet manager, insurer or approved accident provider immediately.
- Do not agree to unauthorised recovery, storage or repair services.
Drivers should exchange only the information legally required and avoid allowing anyone to photograph identity documents.
Fleet managers should also confirm who employees must contact outside normal working hours. Delays can leave drivers vulnerable to pressure and make evidence harder to secure.
A short driver briefing could reduce fraud exposure, protect personal data and prevent inflated recovery, storage and repair costs.
