You are in > manchester.com  > News > Greater Manchester areas 'worst for car insurance fraud'

General Manchester news

Greater Manchester areas 'worst for car insurance fraud'

06/12/2006

Areas in Greater Manchester have been described as the worst for instances of fraudulent and staged accidents, according to new research.

Manchester was cited as a 'hotspot' for such crimes in a report from the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), which highlighted the risk to public safety and the fact that the money used from such incidents is often used to fund more serious offences.

The research found that more than 22,500 cases of fraudulent staged accidents have occurred across the country since 1999.

Manchester came sixth in the top ten cities for the estimated total number of staged and induced accidents since 1999 for the entire industry.

Meanwhile, Oldham and Bolton came fourth and fifth respectively, with all Greater Manchester areas ranking higher than the capital for the number of incidents.

John Beadle, chairman of the IFB, commented: "Latest estimates from the Insurance Fraud Bureau clearly demonstrate the direct risk to public safety represented by induced accidents.

"This is now a significant national problem impacting many cities across the UK requiring an urgent national solution."

The IFB was launched in July this year and aims to provide a tactical solution for the prevention of organised industry fraud, supporting the Association of British Insurers industry fraud strategy.


© Adfero Ltd