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How the APU is helping law-abiding drivers?

27 Jan 2012

Car insurance policyholders can expect to deal with fewer 'crash for cash' fraudsters, thanks to the efforts of one investigation team looking into the issue.

The Asset Protection Unit (APU) squad, which has been set up by Accident Exchange, prosecuted 15 individuals in the final quarter of 2011 who were involved with motor-related fraud or criminal activity.

Such a high number of convictions in one period represents the APU's most prolific spell dealing with 'crash for cash' issues since it was established in 2007.

Drivers are currently faced with an average of £44 being slapped onto their motor insurance policies each year as a result of these fraudsters, the Insurance Fraud Bureau highlighted.

Looking into the achievements of the APU, Steve Evans, the chief executive of Accident Exchange, said: "Its success rate is incredible, denting the criminal practices of organised gangs and individuals to the betterment of all of the law-abiding motorists who pay insurance premiums in good faith."

Recently, Simon Elstow, head of training at the Institute of Advanced Motorists' Drive & Survive scheme, advised drivers to lower the risk of suffering whiplash while behind the wheel by keeping a safe distance from a vehicle in front.

Posted by Judith Stevenson