Unawareness of crash for cash scams costing UK drivers

One in six UK adults are entirely unaware of the existence of staged car accident insurance fraud schemes – also known as crash for cash scams – according to new research from insurtech Prima.

The report, released yesterday (23 July 2025), polled 2,000 driving-age UK residents and found that a further one third of the population were aware of crash for cash scams, but had no understanding of how they worked.

Awareness of such schemes varied across regions. London had the highest rates of awareness, with 25% of respondents having been involved in or knowing someone personally affected by a staged accident – over double the country-wide average of 12%.

Prima said London’s “dense road networks and fast-paced driving conditions make it a prime environment for these scams to thrive, underscoring the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventative measures among London drivers”.

Dashcam use “surprisingly low”

The survey also found that only 30% of road users report using a dashcam while driving, a figure described as “surprisingly low” given its effectiveness at fraud prevention.

The firm suggested that “increasing dashcam adoption could play a crucial role in reducing fraudulent claims and safeguarding honest drivers”.

Morad Benmoussa, UK head of customer care at Prima, said: “Crash for cash scams remain a serious threat to drivers across the UK, especially in cities like London.

“At Prima, we’re dedicated to empowering our customers with the knowledge they need to protect themselves, through proactive steps like installing a dashcam and clear guidance on how to act if they fall victim. With the right awareness and tools, our customers can take control and stay one step ahead.”