“By deliberately causing accidents, fraudsters are gambling with the lives of innocent people.

“Criminal gangs organising multi-million pound crash-for-cash scams are using the profits of their fraud to fund other crimes plaguing our society – illegal firearms, drug dealing and people trafficking, to name just a few examples.

“Far from being a victimless crime, insurance fraud is something we all need to be wary of”.

Prepare and avoid

The best way to avoid the costs involved in fraudulent insurance claims is by avoiding accidents altogether.

This is easier said than done, but improved driving skills are the best way to ensure employees are prepared, according to driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive.

Simon Elstow, training manager, says: “Always look ahead and anticipate hazards, so you aren’t ‘cornered’ into a crash you can’t avoid.”

If someone flashes you to invite a driver out of a junction, if there is any doubt then don’t go, he says.

Signs that a staged accident could be about to take place include the occupants in the vehicle in front looking out of the rear window and gesturing to their driver seconds before the vehicle stops dead or a vehicle circling a roundabout several times looking for a victim.

He warned that drivers should be careful when approaching roundabouts, adding: “Do not look for a gap in the traffic until you are at the Give Way line. Ensure your path immediately in front is clear before pulling out.

“Also watch your speed when approaching roundabouts, junctions and slip roads.”

Elstow says: “Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times. Don’t assume that other drivers will always act rationally.

“Your best weapon is driving defensively, maintaining a safe distance between yourself and any vehicle in front to allow an emergency stop if necessary.

“Collisions are stressful and emotionally draining, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are involved in one. However, make sure you drive carefully to minimise your chances of having to deal with a collision.”

Possess a process

Insurance experts are urging fleets to ensure employees know how to react in the event of a crash.

They may be in shock in the immediate aftermath of a collision, even if it’s a low-speed bump, so it pays to provide a guide in the vehicle telling them what to do.

James Heath, director of counter-fraud services at Keoghs, says: “Fleet managers need to play a key role in fighting fraud and they need to be able to identify fraud risks from the point of incident in order to ensure that their insurers can be on the front foot in tackling fraud.