The top five areas vulnerable to so-called "crash-for-cash" incidents in which fraudsters make false car crashcompensation claims have been released by a top car insurance company.
Manchester, Lancashire, Burnley and Stockport were some of the areas worst hit by the fraudulent claims with most of the car crashes occurring on slip roads or busy roundabouts in the north.
The car crashes involve fraudsters making unnecessary emergency stops, leading innocent motorists to crash into them.
Inflated claims for personal injuries, including whiplash, are then claimed against the innocent motorist's car insurance, causing the motorist to lose their no claims bonus and incur higher premiums when they go to renew their insurance.
The fraudulent claims cost the industry around £350m every year and add an average of £44 to premiums for honest motorists, while the scams also delay payouts on genuine car crashcompensation claims.
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
