Fraudulent car insurance claims start with an individual trying to obtain money by staging an accident. These incidences can increase your insurance rates, add blemishes to your driving record, and cause you to lose lots of money. Before shelling out thousands of dollars to a criminal, you should know how to recognize fender bender fraud and be prepared if it happens to you.

The Swoop and Squat

In busy traffic, at a traffic signal, or at an onramp, a driver will swoop in front of you and then stop. Rear-ending someone is usually that person’s fault even if the other driver did the wrong thing. You should look out for people who want to squeeze between you and the car in front of you. It is safer to just let them in and slow down.

The Phantom Victim

You are in a car accident and someone that was not in the accident files a claim with your insurance company. That person claims that they were a passenger in one of the vehicles that was hit. They also say they have injuries that need financial retribution. To avoid this, you should gather the names of all of the passengers in each vehicle, if possible.

The Sideswipe

You are in the inner lane of a two-lane left turn. You slightly drift into the far lane as you turn and the outside lane driver hits you on purpose. They can claim that you were at fault because you were not in your lane. Be vigilant and avoid drivers who are speeding in the turning lanes.

JC Demo Insurance Group understands the damage a fraudulent insurance claim can have on innocent victims. If you suspect you are the target of a staged accident, the agents at JC Demo Insurance Group can offer advice and answer questions. They can also search for policy quotes for new insurance coverage and existing policyholders.