Warning to motorists about new fraud tactic

A new car insurance scam tactic, dubbed "flash for cash" has been devised by organised gangs of criminals, again targeting innocent motorists.

The gangs lie in wait near exits for fuel stations, shops and car parks. The innocent motorist is given the impression they are being offered a way back on to the main road, only for the driver of the other vehicle to accelerate into the side of it and claim no such signal was given, which is very difficult to prove in a court of law. This shifts the blame to the victim for seemingly cutting off the other motorist's right of way.

The Asset Protection Unit (APU), a specialist anti-fraud firm that work closely with the police and insurance companies warned those most at risk are the more vulnerable such as mothers on the school run and elderly motorists. Others targeted have included those driving new, expensive vehicles.

The Highway Code says: "Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully."

Unfortunately, what was once seen as a rare, friendly gesture,  is now being abused by criminals and will now be viewed with scepticism and caution.

The Metropolitan Police's Traffic Command Detective Inspector David Hindmarsh told Sky News: "Organised criminal groups can set up claim management companies with the sole purpose of defrauding the industry. Insurance costs would then be claimed for recovery of the damaged vehicle, storage while awaiting repairs and car rental during the period. The advice would be if someone flashes you, make sure they are either stopped or don't risk pulling out. Always make sure it is safe to move before you do so."

Emergency? Keep calm and pull over

Drivers need to be alert and ready for anything, whether it is a football rolling into the road, confused animal or emergency services vehicle. The sudden sounds of sirens and the flashing lights in the rear view mirror can cause your heart to race. It’s easy to panic, but the key is to tackle the situation calmly.

If you are not sure of what to do when you see approaching flashing lights, you are not alone. In the latest survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), thirty-five per cent of respondents admitted that they did not know the rules on how to deal with an approaching emergency service vehicle.

According to The Highway Code, "When it comes to Emergency and Incident Support vehicles, drivers should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. 

When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you."

Here's a reminder of what to do when you see an approaching emergency vehicle:

• Keep calm.
• Consider the route of the emergency vehicle and take appropriate action to allow it to pass.
• When moving out of the way, ensure you continue to observe all traffic signs.
• Don’t pull over on kerbs, verges and pavements. This may endanger pedestrians or other road users.  
• Avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of a road.
• Do not endanger yourself.
• Do not brake harshly on approach to a roundabout or junction as the driver behind may not see what you can.
  
• There may be more than one emergency service vehicle that needs to pass.  Take your time to check before moving off safely and indicate your intention to drivers around you.

Download the free Good Garage Scheme app so that you are able to contact a garage you can trust no matter where you are in the UK.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for sharing research for this blog.