Fraudulent 'slam-ons' _ road traffic accidents deliberately caused in order to claim for whiplash compensation _ rose by 51 per cent in 2013, according to the latest statistics from Aviva. The induced accidents have an overall value of more than £10m, and are currently at the highest levels recorded by the insurance firm. Aviva currently has over 6,000 motor injury claims linked to organised fraud activity, and is calling for stronger deterrents, whilst continuing to highlight the importance of vigilance behind the wheel. The company's head of claims fraud, Tom Gardiner, said: 'The fast growth of induced accidents on our roads is cause for serious concern. 'Fraudsters are prepared to put the safety of innocent motorists' and their families and passengers at risk for their own personal gain. Fraudulent accidents also divert significant public resources such as police, ambulances, emergency services and court time away from real need. 'We believe that convictions for motor injury fraud resulting from induced accidents should result in more custodial sentences that recognise the unique physical harm that this form of insurance fraud poses to motorists, as well as the wider social costs. 'Stronger sentences will deter would-be fraudsters and help to keep roads safer and premiums lower for customers.î Unfortunately, statistics revealed that at least one motorist has been killed in an accident set up by fraudsters, and this risk seems to be growing.æ Data from the Sentencing Council showed that community orders were the most common sentence handed out for fraud offences since 2004. Aviva believes that these sentences don't deter crash for cash fraudsters, and it welcomed recent measures introduced by Justice Secretary Chris Gayling designed to crack down on those planning crashes.æ The insurance firm have requested that courts strike out claims in which the claimants had been fundamentally dishonest about their injuries. Under current regulations, when fraudsters exaggerate their claims, they are still entitled to recover the original claim, meaning that there is no deterrent. There is currently strong public support from the public for fraud convictions to attract stronger sentences.æ Two or three respondents to consumer research supported harsher sentences for those convicted of motoring fraud, and almost 9 in 10 felt that custodial sentences would send the strongest message. 'The reach of crash for cash doesn't stop at the scene of the accident, but impacts a wider circle of victims. Stronger deterrents, such as those announced by the Ministry of Justice, as well as more proportionate sentencing that recognises the very real threat of physical harm to the victim, will serve to further deter fraudsters, protect the public and keep premiums low for customers.î Mr Gardiner concluded.
