Police reporting a rise in the number of deliberate ‘flash for cash’ car accidents
‘Flash for cash’ is a growing alternative among criminals to the ‘crash for cash’ scam.
The scam involves road users flashing their lights at cars waiting at junctions, as if they are about to let them pull out, but then deliberately crashing into them and claiming insurance money as well as compensation payments.
The criminals can make money by putting in false personal injury claims for whiplash, billing insurance firms for loss of earnings, or submitting fake bills for vehicle storage, recovery, repairs and replacement car hire.
Detective Inspector Dave Hindmarsh from the Metropolitan Police, “The problem is a growing problem. Financially it costs insurers £392m a year – that impacts on motorists as it’s an extra £50 to £100 on every person’s premium so that’s a financial cost.”
The Highway Code says drivers should:
“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.”