Auto Insurance Scams Don’t be Victimized

Not all car accidents are actual accidents. You and your auto insurance company may become the victims of an insurance scam, or fraud. These are some of the most common auto insurance scams perpetrated so you know how to recognize them should they happen to you.

The Swoop and Squat

In this car insurance scam the perpetrator will use two vehicles working together. One of the vehicles will get in front of you (the squat,) and the other vehicle will cut the other driver off and then flee (the swoop.) The driver in front of you will break suddenly and cause you to rear end him. The “swooping” vehicle will be blamed, but since it will have fled the scene, there will be no fault. This is very similar to the panic stop, in which a car will stop suddenly without need for another to come in and cut him off.

The Side Swipe

This auto accident scam is usually done in a left turn with two lanes. The perpetrator will drive on the outside and will swipe the side of your car when it drifts out of its lane. They will usually give no prior indication of actually intending to turn, to make it more likely for you to drift out of the inner lane.

The Drive Down

This is quite malicious and can have very serious consequences. In these cases a driver will give you the right of way, or signal you to merge in front of him. Then the perpetrator will simply accelerate and crash into you. Later they will deny everything, placing you at fault.

Auto Insurance Scams Don’t be Victimized

The best way to avoid getting caught in one of these auto insurance scams is to observe everything and to take note of anything odd that you may see. Many insurance frauds will involve false policemen, doctors, attorneys, or mechanics. Get all the information you can about everyone involved, including emergency personnel and people not directly involved in the accident. Most importantly, trust your gut and act on your instinct if something feels off. Feel free to check out and enter the Free Quote Auto Insurance quote box at the top of this blog to save on auto insurance premiums which helps support this blog.