MOTORISTS INSTALL CAMERAS TO COMBAT CRASH FOR CASH CLAIMS
Motorists are installing video cameras in their cars to combat ‘crash for cash’ fraud claims.
The devices, known as ‘dash-cams, record the view through the windscreen and capture events before, during and after a collision.
The recorded footage can also be used by defendants against accusations of lane-hogging or tailgating on motorways following new fixed penalty legislation which came into force in August.
Halfords is introducing new in-car camera products in response to this growing demand - making the technology that has been widely used by the emergency services for many years accessible to all motorists who want to film their journeys for protection.
The Insurance Fraud Bureau estimates around 30,000 ‘crash for cash’ incidents take place every year, costing insurers around £350 million and pushing up premiums for honest, innocent drivers by around £44 each.
A new tactic that is being used by increasingly bold frausters has also emerged this year. They flash their headlights to give victims the impression they are being allowed to join a main road but then accelerate in order to hit the unsuspecting driver side-on.
Halfords in-car technology manager Alec James said: “Following an incident people are often reluctant to admit guilt and risk losing their no claims discount*. In addition, the surge in fraudulent so-called ‘crash for cash’ claims is causing genuine concern among innocent drivers.
“The range of recording devices we now offer means that we can provide drivers with the means to produce evidence of how an incident occurred and who is at fault should the need arise.”
The new in-car cameras are available in Halfords stores as well as www.halfords.com from today.
Ends
Stuart Humphreys, Halfords Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Editor’s Notes:
*Moneysupermarket found that motorists making a claim on their insurance policy with an 'unprotected' no claims bonus sees the cost of their premium increase by 37 per cent. A driver with five years’ no claims bonus would typically lose two years of it following a claim and see premiums rise on average from £349 to £479.
New in-car cameras available at Halfords:
Nextbase 202 Lite (£69.99)
1.3M CMOS sensor2.7” (6.85cm) display (16:9 LED)1280 x 720 pixel screen & high quality playback120owide angle cameraVideo format: AVIBuilt in microphone records sound inside and outside the vehicle12V cable supplied, plus rechargeable Lithium polymer battery provides 10 minute back-up recording when detached from vehicleSupports up to 32GB SD card (supplied separately)
Nextbase 302G Deluxe (£99.99)
All the key features of the 202 Lite plus:1440 x 1080 pixel screen & High Definition playback3-Axis G-sensor records impact direction, turns and accelerationGPS logging to track your journey and review incident locations online using software providedInfra-red night vision to enhance filming in low light conditions
Next base 402G Professional (£149.99)
All the key features of the 302G Deluxe Lite plus:3.0M CMOS sensor1920 x 1080 pixel screen &full HD playback via HDMI output6G glass lenses for very clearest reordingChipset – very latest HD light-sensitive chip with WDR (wide dynamic range) technology for clear images in bright/dark conditionsVideo format: MOVSupports up to 32GB Micro SD card (supplied separately)
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
· Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
· Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
· Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
The Getting into Gear 2016 plan for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience:
· Service Revolution
· The H Factor
· Stores Fit To Shop
· 21stCentury Infrastructure
· Click With The Digital Future
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
Tags:
