Insurance fraud is becoming a growing headache for UK fleets. In 2023, fraudulent car insurance claims hit £500 million, an 8% rise on the previous year. That’s not just a number on paper – it means higher insurance premiums, more accident management cases, and greater disruption to fleet operations.
To help, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has created a free nine-point plan that offers practical steps for drivers and fleet managers to cut the risk of becoming a target.
Why Insurance Fraud Prevention Matters in Fleet Management
Fraudsters know that company cars and vans are always insured, making them a prime target. Lone drivers are especially at risk, as fraudsters only need to counter one person’s version of events when making a claim.
For fleet managers, staged accidents mean more than just inconvenience – they affect fleet compliance, insurance renewals, and the bottom line. Prevention is the smartest way forward.
The AFP’s Nine-Point Plan for Drivers
Here are the nine simple ways the AFP suggests to reduce risk and strengthen insurance fraud prevention:
- Keep your distance – Stay back so you can react if the car ahead brakes suddenly.
- Check blind spots – Fraudsters often hover behind, waiting for you to pull out.
- Stay alert at roundabouts – Keep a safe gap to avoid last-second cut-ins.
- Watch motorcyclists – Some deliberately speed into cars turning right.
- Don’t trust flashing headlights – They could be bait for a crash.
- Never use your phone while driving – It’s illegal, unsafe, and hands fraudsters an easy win.
- Notice suspicious behaviour – Cars that slow, speed up, or shadow you may be planning a staged accident.
- Look for damaged vehicles – Rear-end damage or faulty lights can be warning signs.
- Fit dashcams – Video evidence is the best defence against false claims.
Using Dashcams and Training for Extra Protection
For fleets, dashcams and driver training are a smart investment. Dashcams protect against false accident claims, while training ensures drivers recognise fraud tactics before it’s too late.
The AFP also points drivers to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), which gathers intelligence across the industry to help disrupt organised scams.
FAQs About Insurance Fraud
What is insurance fraud in fleet management?
It’s when scammers stage or exaggerate a crash to claim against your insurance. In fleet management, fraudsters often target company cars or vans because they’re guaranteed to be insured.
How can fleets stop staged accidents?
By adopting the AFP’s nine-point plan, training drivers, keeping vehicles well-maintained, and using dashcams as part of a wider risk management strategy.
Who are the AFP?
The Association of Fleet Professionals is a UK body supporting fleet managers with best practice, fleet compliance, training, and resources – including this free guidance on avoiding insurance fraud.
What does the IFB do?
The Insurance Fraud Bureau collects data across the insurance sector to identify and disrupt fraud networks. They also support drivers and businesses who suspect they’ve been targeted.
FAQs About Fleet Service GB
Who are Fleet Service GB?
Fleet Service GB is a UK-based fleet management company helping businesses run safe, efficient, and compliant vehicle operations.
What services does Fleet Service GB provide?
Their services cover driver training, accident management, fleet compliance, risk management, maintenance, and bespoke support for companies with cars and vans.
How does Fleet Service GB support insurance fraud prevention?
By providing driver awareness training, accident management expertise, and proactive risk management tools to reduce claims and keep insurance costs under control.
Final Thoughts
Insurance fraud is a serious and growing issue for fleets, but with awareness, prevention strategies, and expert fleet management support, it doesn’t have to be a constant threat.
The AFP’s free guidance gives drivers practical steps to stay safe, while businesses like Fleet Service GB can provide tailored help with fleet compliance, risk management, and accident management. Together, they make insurance fraud prevention a realistic goal for every fleet.
