People are increasingly putting their insurance cover at risk by cheating to get a better deal, warns the ABI (Association of British Insurers). Insurers are uncovering a growing number of cases of ‘front end fraud’, where the customer has lied or failed to disclose material information to get cheaper insurance.

Common deceptions exposed include:

-         ‘Fronting’ – where parents add their son or daughter to their motor insurance policy as an occasional named driver, when in fact they are the main driver.

-         Not disclosing motoring convictions, ranging from a speeding conviction to drink driving. In one case, a policyholder whose vehicle was stolen had his claim for £7,000 rejected, as it was discovered that he had failed to disclose two convictions for driving without insurance.

-         ‘Forgetting’ about previous claims, such as motor accidents and burglaries.

-          Under-estimating alcohol and tobacco consumption when applying for life and health insurance.

Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:

“Honesty is the only policy. Cheating to get cheaper insurance puts your cover in jeopardy, with potentially disastrous consequences. Being truthful and shopping around will mean that your insurance delivers when you need it, and that you get the best possible deal.”  

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Notes

1.          Enquiries to:       

         Jonathan French   020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

         Erfan Hussain       020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

         Kelly Ostler-Coyle   020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)      

2.         The ABI is the voice of the insurance and investment industry. Its members constitute over 90 per cent of the insurance market in the UK and 20 per cent across the EU. They control assets equivalent to a quarter of the UK’s capital. They are the risk managers of the UK’s economy and society. Through the ABI their voice is heard in Government and in public debate on insurance, savings and investment matters.

3.            An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.