Research commissioned by Ageas UK* reveals more than one in 10 people are completely unaware of insurance scams like Crash for Cash and Ghost Broking. This overall lack of awareness is greatest among 18-24 year-olds, with almost one in five reporting they had no knowledge of any insurance scams.
Among all respondents, Crash for Cash is the most recognised scam with more than one in four of those surveyed reporting that they were aware of this fraudulent activity.
In response to the findings, Katie Davies, Director of Underwriting Services and Fraud at Ageas UK, commented:
“It’s encouraging to see that the Crash for Cash scam is now widely recognised, thanks to the efforts of industry-wide campaigns led by organisations such as the IFB and our own initiatives targeting fraudulent claims involving moped collisions. However, with 35 known organised Crash for Cash gangs currently under surveillance by Ageas, it’s clear that this remains an ongoing challenge.”
The research also shows that less than one in five of all those asked are aware of scammers who pretend to be legitimate insurance brokers. Often referred to as Ghost Broking, this is a sophisticated and evolving form of insurance fraud that poses a serious threat to unsuspecting drivers. Fraudsters impersonate legitimate insurance intermediaries, often using stolen identities, to set up policies that appear genuine. Fraudsters may even supply fake documents, such as no-claims discounts, to avoid detection. Victims are frequently unaware that the policies are invalid - leaving them without cover and exposed to severe financial and legal consequences.
Awareness of Ghost Broking is particularly low among older adults, with just one in 10 of those aged 55+ recognising the term, compared to almost one in five 18–24 year-olds who are more likely to be exposed to online content or social media where such scams are discussed.
In recent years, Ghost Brokers have shifted from physical advertising to highly convincing online platforms, with TikTok emerging as a preferred channel for targeting victims. To avoid falling victim to scammers potential customers can check that the firm they are dealing with is legitimate by checking they are registered with the FCA.
Katie Davies added:
“This research reinforces the importance of staying vigilant and taking decisive action to protect those who rely on us. At Ageas, we’re committed to protecting genuine customers — ensuring their claims are handled swiftly and fairly, and that fraudsters are exposed and held to account.
“We also work closely with victims of identity theft and Ghost Broking, supporting them to ensure the impact of fraudulent activity is removed from their record and encouraging them to report the crime to Action Fraud in the pursuit of justice.”
*This research was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Ageas to explore public attitudes and behaviours around insurance fraud. It combined an online survey of 2,048 UK adults (fieldwork: 31 January – 11 February 2025) with in-depth qualitative interviews (fieldwork: 10–21 February 2025) involving 16 participants identified as having a predisposition to commit insurance fraud. The sample included both motor and home insurance policyholders, and results were weighted to be nationally representative by age, gender, and region.