Analysis by Direct Line has identified the UK's top ten ‘crash for cash' hotspots, as the insurer steps up its fight against fraudsters who cost every other motorist an average of £44 a year and delay payments for genuine claims.

‘Crash for cash' fraudsters fake accidents by making unnecessary emergency stops at busy roundabouts or slip roads, forcing motorists to crash into them.

They then make bogus claims to the innocent motorist's insurer, often including fictitious injuries.

Direct Line's sophisticated monitoring of data and coordinated nationwide investigations means its anti-fraud team are aware of hundreds of sites that have been used by fraudsters, enabling them to catch the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The scams are estimated to cost up to £350 million a year increasing the insurance premiums of honest drivers, as well as delaying payouts for claims that happened at known hotspots by up to three weeks.

Further analysis has enabled Direct Line to map the entire country to highlight evidence of suspicious claims and determine the ten worst hotspots for the scams.

By utilising this information alongside specially developed technology and methodology, Direct Line is able to catch fraudsters more easily and quickly.

The top ten hotspots include roundabouts and slip roads throughout the UK.

Top 10 crash for cash hot spots

1. Centenary Way, Trafford Park, Manchester
2. Haslingden roundabout, Junction 5, M65
3. Scotland Road roundabout, Junction 13, M65
4. Gannow Top roundabout, Cavalry Way, Burnley
5. Eden Point roundabout, A34, Stockport
6. Denham roundabout, M40
7. Jarman Park, A414, Hemel Hempstead
8. Parkway Uxbridge Road A312 / A4020
9. Port Way / Strand Road junction , Preston
10. Junction 24 roundabout, M25

 See Keoghs LLP Motor Fraud Hotspots by region.