AXA UK has issued a warning to drivers following a sharp rise in “crash for cash” scams involving motorcycles, with the insurer linking more than 700 claims in the last two years to organised fraud rings.
The scams, which are increasingly sophisticated, not only result in bogus injury and damage claims but are also being used to steal drivers’ personal details for further fraudulent activity.
According to AXA, fraudsters are deliberately engineering collisions - often by cutting in front of vehicles and braking suddenly, or staging incidents where a motorcycle is positioned to be hit by a reversing car. In many cases, the riders display aggressive or pushy behaviour, pressuring drivers to admit fault at the scene. Some even refuse to remove their helmets or claim they cannot speak English, making identification and communication more difficult.
A particularly concerning development is the theft of personal information at the scene.
AXA reports that criminals are now requesting to photograph driving licences or collect other sensitive details, which are then used to purchase multiple insurance policies and file further fraudulent claims. Since 2023, AXA’s fraud team has investigated around 1,000 claims of this type.
Karl Parr, director of claims technical & central services at AXA UK, said the impact of these scams extends well beyond financial loss. “Criminals behind fraudulent motorcycle activity are preying on innocent drivers, causing not only financial harm but also emotional distress. They often target the elderly or lone women drivers because they are seen as softer targets,” he said. “Insurance fraud, especially crimes like ‘crash for cash’, has far-reaching consequences that affect every member of society beyond the trauma of those involved. When fraudsters exploit the system, the financial burden is passed on to customers through higher premiums.”
One AXA customer, Phil Allcock, described how a seemingly minor collision led to a cascade of problems. “A moped appeared out of nowhere and hit the front of my car. The rider then dramatically fell off before scrambling to his feet and immediately started taking photos. I was shaken up and when he asked to photograph my driving licence, I let him,” Allcock said.
“Within two or three weeks, I started receiving letters from insurance companies. To date, I have been told that 11 vehicles have been insured using my driving licence details. I’ve also had notices of intended prosecution from the Metropolitan Police as a result of two of these vehicles breaking the speed limit. All of this has caused considerable stress to both me and my wife and I have spent hours on the phone and on emails trying to address this situation.”
The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has also seen a spike in related activity, uncovering more than 1,100 fraudulent motor insurance policies since summer 2024 that were taken out using stolen details from crash-for-cash victims. Industry experts warn that these scams are often run by organised groups, with some even planting accomplices at the scene to act as false witnesses.
AXA and the IFB are advising drivers to be cautious in the aftermath of any collision. Motorists should avoid sharing personal documents, take photographs of the scene and those involved, and seek independent witnesses where possible. Drivers are also being warned about unsolicited calls or messages from individuals claiming to represent their insurer or offering courtesy vehicles shortly after an incident.
Victims of suspected motor fraud are encouraged to report their case to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline.
The rise in motorcycle-related crash-for-cash scams highlights the evolving tactics of fraudsters and the need for ongoing vigilance among drivers, insurers, and brokers alike. As insurers step up their fraud detection and support for victims, the industry continues to call for greater public awareness and robust preventative measures.
