Scams are becoming more common than ever, and the variety of scams are increasing. There are syndicates that would do anything to make earn quick cash, and of late have been more and more creative with the way they get your money. One of the most common ways they do so is through car insurance scams. What these people will do is crash their vehicle into yours to fake an injury and collect insurance money. These are called “staged car accidents”, and it could have you injured, with a damaged car or forking out exorbitant insurance premiums.
If you are a vehicle owner, it’s important that you know what kind of car accident scams are there and how you can avoid falling prey to them. Being well prepared can protect you and your family from such scams.
Swoop and Squat
Alternatively known as a forced rear-ending scam, the scammer will attempt to have your vehicle crash into the back of their vehicle. The offending driver will usually be driving next to you, then cut into your lane and suddenly apply the brakes. Most of the time, the driver of the target vehicle will not have enough time to react and brake on time, eventually crashing into the back of the scammer’s car. In some cases, there might even be a third vehicle involved to prevent you from maneuvering around the scammer’s vehicle. Be mindful to always scan for traffic when driving and keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you so that you have time to brake should this occur.
Drive Down
In this case, a vehicle with the right of way may usher you to turn into traffic, changes lanes or get a parking spot. Whilst this may seem like a kind gesture, sometimes such acts come with ulterior motives. Upon proceeding to move your car, the scammer will hit your vehicle and then deny that they have granted you permission to proceed. This leaves you at fault and the scammer may file an insurance claim against you. To avoid this, it is advisable to install a dash cam as the record evidence would be able to help you.
Side Swipe
This occurs when there are two turn lanes at an intersection, especially when the target vehicle turns from the inner lane. When you stray into the other lane, the scammer will turn at the same time as you and slam into your vehicle. Stay alert when driving on dual turn lanes, and if you know you are not at fault for your car accident, engage a personal injury attorney to handle your car accident case.
False Help
This mostly happens after a collision. Scammers disguised as nice strangers offering advice will approach you to offer “help”. They will provide information like references for a vehicle repair shop or an attorney. They may be looking to take advantage of your insurance claim or even process a false insurance claim without your knowledge. Remember to only provide your insurance information to the other drivers involved.