SmartDrive Systems says the IFB’s breakdown of crash for cash makes chilling reading for commercial vehicle operators – and urges them to use proactive camera systems to protect drivers.

Hertfordshire, UK – 25 June 2021 – SmartDrive Systems says the Insurance Fraud Bureau’s (IFB’s) analysis of the top 30 postcodes for crash for cash offences must act as an urgent wake up call to any operators not using camera footage to protect their drivers – and their bottom lines.

The IFB analysis highlights the Midlands, North West and London as particular problem areas, with Birmingham the most dangerous city in the UK for collision scams.

Out of 2.7 million motor insurance claims made between October 2019 and December 2020, the IFB identified over 170,000 claims potentially linked to cash for crash gangs.

IFB emphasises that drivers should capture as much information about collisions as possible.

SmartDrive Systems’ proactive video solution offers substantial protection against these dangerous and costly criminals. It captures 10 seconds of footage before and after a collision, giving unarguable narrative. The driver can also manually activate the cameras for recording events or self-protection.

Furthermore, the footage is offloaded via the cellular network in near real time, preserving the data and speeding First Notification of Loss (FNOL), claim process and claim dismissal.

“A number of our fleet customers, particularly those operating vans on last mile delivery, have found themselves particular targets of this criminal behaviour,” says SmartDrive Systems’ Managing Director, Penny Brooks. “We have helped our customers dismiss literally thousands of fraudulent cash for crash claims this way and save hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

SmartDrive clients usually have a very strong platform from which to negotiate with insurers, as the system has proven benefits in reducing collision.

However, its proactive nature, which generates coaching insights from every captured event, also means that drivers can protect themselves on the road as well. Common risky driving practices such as close followingly, or poor anticipation, which make drivers vulnerable to crash for cash gangs, can be highlighted and coached in an objective and programmatic manner. This means drivers become far less easy prey for those trying to provoke a collision.

Brooks says, “The term ‘fraud’ doesn’t begin to capture the nature of crash for cash offences. These people are weaponising vehicles and attacking commercial vehicle drivers. This is physically dangerous; it is highly stressful and it can shatter a driver’s confidence. Not to mention the cost to the fleet operator.”

“If all commercial vehicles had a suitable camera system, we could drive these criminals off the road, for good. Our drivers are a precious resource and we should do all we can to protect them.”

About SmartDrive Systems 

SmartDrive Systems, now part of Omnitracs, gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses, and lives. Its video safety, predictive analytics and personalised performance programme help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs, and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance, anytime, anywhere. With more than 15,000 customers who collectively travel 250 million miles per week, Omnitracs has compiled the world’s largest storehouse of more than 330 million analysed risky-driving events. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Omnitracs serves customers in over 50 countries and employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. 

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.

Contact or Follow SmartDrive at:

Email – nicola.burgess@omnitracs.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/SmartDriveLtd
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Media Contact:

Nicola Burgess for SmartDrive Systems Ltd
nicola.burgess@omnitracs.com
+44 (0)1442 345180