As anyone who has ever been involved in an auto accident will tell you, it can definitely be frustrating. But what happens when the other driver or their passengers wrongly claim damages or injuries that don’t match up with the facts of the loss?

Unfortunately, insurance fraud is quite common throughout the industry. People looking for a quick payday often target certain vehicles or individuals to ensure a fender bender happens, then overinflate their damages once the incident has occurred.

So, how can you protect yourself against fender bender fraud? Here are three tips to consider.

Tip #1: Take Down Information at the Scene

After a minor accident happens, you might be tempted to just let the other driver leave without taking down their information. It is very important that you do not do this, as the other driver could eventually come back with trumped up physical and medical damage claims in the future. Instead, get as much information as you can at the scene and even take a photo of the fact that their vehicle does not have damage. This way you already have the proof on hand if you ever need to dispute the claim.

Tip #2: Document Your Side of the Story

Another way to prevent fender bender fraud is by documenting your side of the story as soon as possible. Write down where you were, what happened, and anything the other party said. Add a time stamp by either emailing the copy to yourself or taking a cell phone photo of the paper you wrote it on. The truth never changes, and having this to back up your side is an excellent way to prove your case if the other party tries to claim something that never happened.

Tip #3: Try to Get the Police to Take a Report

In certain situations where an accident is relatively minor, it can be difficult to get a police officer to respond. However, it is very important to at least try. If an officer physically responds to the scene, the report that he or she creates acts as impartial proof of the incident. This is crucial if the other driver changes their story or tries to make the collision out to have more damage than it actually does.

Do you have the right level of insurance coverage? At NY Twin Bridges Insurance Agency, we are dedicated to helping our clients with all of their policy needs. Please contact us today.