Imagine driving peacefully down a parkway, enjoying the flow of traffic, when suddenly, without warning, the car ahead slams into reverse and crashes into your vehicle. You’re left shocked, confused, and trying to make sense of what just happened. This isn’t just an unfortunate coincidence—it’s a deliberate act. This is exactly what happened to Asphia Natasha in New York. Her dash cam captured the startling moment when a Brooklyn driver intentionally backed into her car, exposing a growing trend in fraudulent schemes known as staged accidents. These incidents are becoming alarmingly common, targeting unsuspecting drivers and leaving them to deal with the financial and emotional fallout. Whether you’re on your daily commute or a weekend drive, this could happen to anyone—and being prepared is more important than ever.
What Are Staged Accidents?
Staged accidents occur when individuals deliberately cause car crashes in order to collect insurance money. The perpetrators may deliberately collide with another vehicle or make it appear as if the other driver is at fault, even when the crash was entirely planned. It’s a form of insurance fraud that’s been around for years, but recent trends suggest it’s becoming more common.
Why Are Staged Accidents Increasing?
There are a few reasons why staged accidents are on the rise:
Busy Roadways: Staged accidents are more likely to occur in high-traffic, congested areas. Places like California, New York, and Florida, with their busy highways and heavy vehicle flow, are prime locations for scammers to target.
Increased Pay-outs: Insurance companies are often on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages. Some criminals are aware of this and see an opportunity to profit from these high pay-outs.
Evasion of Prosecution: The ability to avoid getting caught makes this scam even more appealing. Criminals have found ways to game the system and avoid prosecution, allowing them to stage multiple accidents without facing serious legal consequences.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The rise in staged accidents isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by data. In 2023, California recorded 5,366 staged accidents, making it the state with the highest number of cases. New York came in second with 1,729, followed by Florida at 1,110. These numbers represent just a fraction of the nationwide trend.
In fact, staged auto accidents cost the insurance industry a staggering $20 billion annually, according to the FBI. And as these scams grow in frequency, the cost is being passed down to consumers. Insurance premiums are on the rise as a result, with the average cost for full auto insurance jumping to $2,329 in the first half of 2024. That’s a 15% increase from 2023 and a 48% spike from just two years ago.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can fall victim to a staged accident, certain groups are more vulnerable. Criminals often target:
New, rental, or commercial vehicles: These tend to be better insured, making them more attractive to fraudsters.
Women driving alone and senior citizens: These individuals are sometimes seen as less likely to confront the perpetrators or fight back, making them easier targets.
How Does This Affect You?
The biggest consequence is the rise in insurance premiums. As insurers deal with more claims from staged accidents, they increase rates across the board, even for those who are not involved in fraud. That extra $100 to $300 a year may not sound like much, but over time, it can add up.
Furthermore, if you’re involved in a staged accident, even if you’re not at fault, it can be a long and stressful battle to prove that the crash was fraudulent. The legal and financial consequences can be overwhelming.
How to Protect Yourself from Staged Accidents
Staged accidents are a growing threat on today’s roads, with scammers targeting unsuspecting drivers in high-traffic areas. These deliberate crashes, designed to collect fraudulent insurance payouts, leave victims with financial and emotional burdens.
As Michelle Hancock, Agency Owner & Co-Founder of PNW Insurance Group LLC, warns, “The sad thing is those sorts of things do happen, and with increasing frequency.” Her personal story highlights the dramatic impact of these schemes: Michelle’s daughter was rear-ended, but due to a lack of solid evidence, no witnesses and no cameras, the other parties insurance company denied liability, even though the other driver admitted fault!
Although you can’t completely eliminate the risk of encountering a staged accident, there are several proactive steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your finances:
Stay Vigilant and Aware
Constantly scan your surroundings, especially in high-traffic or congested areas where these scams are more likely to occur.
Watch for erratic drivers who may brake suddenly, tailgate, or drive aggressively—they could be setting up a staged accident.
Practice Defensive Driving
Keep a safe following distance of at least three seconds from the car ahead. This gives you more time to react if the driver ahead suddenly stops or reverses.
Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting settings, so you’re always ready to respond to unexpected situations.
Be cautious at intersections and when merging, as these are common spots for staged accidents.
Install and Use Dash Cams
A dashboard camera is one of the best tools to protect yourself. Make sure your dashcam is of good quality and set to record in high resolution.
Position it properly to capture a clear view of the road ahead and, if possible, invest in one with a rear camera.
Regularly check that your dashcam is functioning and has enough storage space.
Know the Common Scams
Learn the most frequent staged accident techniques, such as:
The “Swoop and Stop”: A car swerves into your lane and then abruptly stops.
The “Dual Driver Setup”: One car waves you forward while another collides with you.
The “Reverse Crash”: A driver intentionally backs into your car.
Recognizing these tactics can help you anticipate and avoid dangerous situations.
Be Prepared to Document the Scene
After any accident, whether staged or not, document the details:
Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, and the accident scene from multiple angles.
Gather contact information from witnesses, as they could support your case later.
Avoid admitting fault or engaging in heated arguments with other drivers.
Report Suspicious Behavior Immediately
If you suspect an accident was staged, report it to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide detailed accounts, including any dashcam footage, photos, or witness statements.
Be transparent about your concerns so investigators can properly assess the situation.
Choose Your Insurance Wisely
Opt for an insurance policy that offers robust coverage against fraud. Speak to your agent about additional protections, like uninsured motorist coverage or legal assistance, in case you’re targeted. Staged accidents can lead to financial and legal complications, but by staying informed and proactive, you can safeguard yourself.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a staged accident—or even witnessed one—it’s crucial to take immediate action by reporting the incident to both the authorities and your insurance company. These situations often thrive in silence, but when individuals come forward and share what they’ve seen, these deceptive acts can be more easily prevented. By doing so, you not only protect yourself from falling into the traps of insurance fraud, but you also help prevent others from experiencing the same unfair consequences. Staying vigilant and taking swift action ensures you’re not wrongfully held accountable for someone else’s selfish and deceptive actions.
As Michelle Hancock, Co-Founder of PNW Insurance Group LLC, wisely says, “The best defense is vigilance—get the cameras. It just might save you one day.
