UK’s top motor fraud hotspots revealed by IFB
The Insurance Fraud Bureau has analysed more than 3.3 million vehicle claims to identify the UK’s top motor fraud hotspots.
Common frauds include crash for cash scams, identity theft, and fake claims, with the Association of British Insurers reporting a 12% increase in motor fraud in 2024, worth over £1bn.
Now, the IFB has studied the data to find the regions where motor fraud is most commonplace.
It found that Barking & Dagenham topped the list, followed by Birmingham and Central London.
Meanwhile, four of the top 10 postcodes for motor insurance fraud are in Bradford. Other top hotspots include Cemaes Bay in Wales, Crieff in Scotland and Crumlin in Northern Ireland.
Driving up costs
Jon Radford, head of intelligence, investigations and data services at the IFB, said: “Insurance fraudsters are relentless, and their tactics are evolving fast. By revealing the UK’s top motor insurance fraud hotspots, our aim is to help protect those who are at greater risk.
“Insurance scams can put people in danger and drive up costs for honest consumers, at a time when many are already under financial pressure. We’re working closely with the police and insurers to stop this activity, and we urge the public to stay alert and report suspected insurance fraud to our confidential CheatLine.”
Insurance premiums
Lord David Hanson, Minister for Fraud, added: “Honest customers are facing higher insurance premiums because of fraudsters’ pursuit of profits. We won’t accept it and are working with the Insurance Fraud Bureau to take the fight to these callous fraudsters.
“Our new Fraud Strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen protections for victims.”
