Throughout the country and the world, automobile insurance scams are rising at a dramatic rate. In England alone, approximately 30,000 automobile accidents were staged in the last year. Each so called accident claim resulted in an average of 17,000 Euro in damages awarded in the fraudulent claim.

How do the insurance scams occur?

Often the driver will go along a clear road or roundabout and wait for another driver to come behind them. At this point they suddenly brake with no reason, causing the other motorist to essentially rear-end them. Not only does this cause damage to both vehicles, but can also cause serious injury to all persons involved. The fraudsters often target single mothers or the elderly due to the fact that more often than not, these individuals will most likely not cause issues with the fraudster's claim to their insurance company. Also targeted are drivers of commercial vehicles due to the fact that they often do not care because they are not driving their own personal vehicle. After the accident has occurred, they claim personal injury, damage to their vehicle, and recovery fees.

What does this mean for insurance quotes?

Due to the rising insurance scams and the rising payouts by insurance companies, the scams cost insurers approximately three-hundred and fifty million Euro in 2009 alone. This resulted in a rise in premiums of 44 euro for each insured driver. Due to the rising costs of insurance, motor bike insurance quotes and automobile insurance quotes have risen drastically.

How can you avoid being caught in an insurance scam?

The best way to avoid being caught in an insurance scam is to practice the basics of safe driving. Be sure to maintain a good distance from any vehicles ahead of you. Use proper signaling when changing lanes or turning. Always keep your eyes on the road ahead of you. Maintain an even greater distance when the roads are slick due to rain, snow, or you have low visibility. If you believe you have been brought into a scam, be sure to inform your insurance company of what happened and do not claim responsibility at all. Just inform the insurance company of exactly how the accident took place and allow them to continue from there.

By combating insurance fraud to the best of your ability, you are also combating higher vehicle and motor bike insurance quotes.