Scammers can ambush you from anywhere, from online transactions to social media and via your email and phone calls. They’re constantly trying to trick unsuspecting people into giving away personal information or money, so being wary and knowledgeable about these tactics can help protect you.
Auto insurance fraud is one form of scam that has recently been getting more attention. You may have seen the now-viral video of dashcam footage of a car deliberately backing into a car on a busy highway in New York.
If not, here’s a segment from the Good Morning America show:
@gma “It was very chaotic.” @Ashpia Natasha posted her dash cam footage showing a car backing into her vehicle on a busy highway on social media, which has now gone viral. #dashcam #dashcamfootage #news ♬ original sound – Good Morning America
If the driver didn’t have a dashcam in place, it would’ve resulted in a their-word-against-yours situation with no evidence. Later, video from her rear dashcam showed an accomplice vehicle that eventually picked up the actual driver from the car that backed into her.
This clear-cut footage will save the driver time and money from this staged accident by the other party.
Tip #1: Get a Dash Cam
People who have watched this viral video have been inspired to purchase dashcams. If you need suggestions, we recommend the following for various budgets.
Under $200
VIOFO Dual Dash Cam A129 Plus Duo $179.99 —I have this camera, and while it’s the pricier one on this list, I used my Amazon reward points to cover the cost. Use your points if you have them! The footage is captured simultaneously at 2560 x 1440P 60fps and the road behind at 1080P 30fps. License plate and street sign details are easily captured, and the 140-degree wide angle shows the road without distortion.
The HDR and Super Night Vision will ensure clear footage at night and auto-balance the lighting in overly bright and dark areas. You’ll need a separate hardwire kit to enable the parking mode, which continues recording from the rear camera after you’ve parked. I have this set up so my car can act as an additional security camera at home.
I also bought a polarizing lens (optional) for the front cam to reduce any potential glare or reflections from glass and shiny surfaces. It also protects the camera from scratches!
Under $120
RedTiger Dash Cam F7NP $119.99 (use the $10 coupon!) – This is Amazon’s best seller for its middle-price range camera with Ultra HD 4K and FHD 1080P dual recording. The front has a wide angle of 170 degrees, and the rear has a wide angle of 140 degrees. It has a built-in GPS that records the route, location data, and speed so you can provide more evidence. When it senses a collision, it’ll know to save and lock the video so it doesn’t get overwritten!
If you want to enable its parking mode capabilities, you can get the bundle that includes the camera, hardwire kit, and a 256GB microSDX card.
Under $50
Miden S7 2.5K Dash Cam $36.79 (after 20% off coupon)— This Ultra HD 2.5K dash cam is the most affordable on this list and has the widest road angles, 176 degrees for the front and 160 degrees for the rear. The screen is large at 3.2 inches, making it easy to navigate the menus. The aluminum alloy case material also has great heat dissipation compared to other plastic shells. They also provide a free USB reader to access the video from the 64GB SD card (also free!)
If it senses shaking or collisions, the camera will know to lock the current footage and prevent it from being overwritten. Get the separate hardware kit for under $20 when you clip the 25% coupon.
Tip #2: How to Act When an Accident Occurs
Here are some action items to remember if you’re ever in an accident.
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured
- Take plenty of photos of any damage to your car and of the entire scene
- Take a picture of the other driver’s license plate number, driver’s license, and insurance card. Note their car make/model. They’ll do the same to you.
- If the accident isn’t minor enough for just insurance info exchange, call the non-emergency line for the police so they can come and make an official report
- Note down cross streets and what direction you’re facing so you can provide these details to your insurance
- Try to stay calm! If the situation escalates and tempers are flaring, save the rest of the discussion for the police and your insurer
- Call your insurance and inform them about the accident
Tip #3: Use the App if You Have a Dash Cam
Some dash cams will have an accompanying app that allows you to view footage from your phone instead of manually pulling out the SD card to look at via the computer.
This will be helpful when an accident occurs, and you notice the other party isn’t telling the truth. Immediately pull up footage on your phone to show law enforcement to clarify the situation and to prevent the wrong ticket from being issued.
Tip #4: What to Look Out for with Tow Trucks
If your car needs towing, use tow trucks approved by your insurance and look for the municipal licensing number to ensure they’re legitimate. You can find the approved tow companies by calling your insurance company or logging into your online account.
When the tow arrives, don’t blindly sign the paperwork without reading it, even if you feel rushed as the driver stands there waiting. Know what you’re signing!
And request that your car be towed to a body shop recommended by your insurer (call to ask if you don’t know) or another location you’re familiar with instead of letting the tow company call the shots. This will save you from any “unapproved shops” headaches later that might increase your costs.
Tip #5: Keep Detailed Records of Everything
If you’re hurt, be sure to keep records of all your medical appointments and statements in case you need to prove the extent of your injury that’s connected to the accident.
Medical documents can include:
- Emergency treatment reports
- Diagnostic test results
- Treatment plans
- Medical bills
Non-medical documents can include:
- Lost wages verification
- Property damage estimates and bills
- Photographs
- Communication records with your insurance companies
You can also keep a Pain Journal, where you can track the pain’s location, intensity, and how it’s affecting your daily life. This will help you track your symptoms as well.
The Bottom Line
You never know what might happen, and being wary and prepared will help you if you encounter any potential auto insurance scams. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran; you can never predict if others might target you as their next victim.
Implementing these tips into your driving life can help save you from major headaches, time, and money. By staying informed and aware, you’re protecting your finances and giving yourself peace of mind whenever you’re on the road. Taking a proactive approach means you can focus on what matters most: driving safely and enjoying the journey!
Read more:
