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Insurance scam

I have been set up!

I parked my car in a car park and on return found a young lady taking photos of my car.

I had damage to my car, but it was old damage.

She stated that I had hit her car. A woman sitting in a car nose to nose with mine agreed that I had damaged the other car whilst parking.

I know that I had not caused the damge to the other car, but nevertheless, as there was an allegation and a supposed witness, I gave my details.

I reported to my insurance company that the allegation, false as it was, had been made, and I told them that I had been set up.

I have had a letter from my brokers stating that my insurance company has received an independent witness statement confirming that I caused the damage to the third party's vehicle. In view of this my insurance company will have to admit liability in full and deal with the third party claim "on the best possible terms".

I have no details of the third party or the witness, but feel strongly that I have been set up.

Is this a common scam and if so is there any action I can take? I definitely did not hit the other car.

Asked on 27 March 2011 by Gibson JR

Answered by Honest John
Demand that the case goes to court. If your insurer will not take the case to court then you personally sue the other party for your estimated loss from their spurious claim. Check with your insurer, but over the next 5 years that could amount to premium increases of around £1,000. The other party will not contest your claim because they risk getting sent down for perjury and you will get a judgement against them. Then take it further. Report them to the police for fraud and demand that the CPS prosecutes.
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