Staged Collisions

A staged collision is insurance fraud and put innocent drivers at risk.

Types of Staged and Caused Collisions

A staged collision is no accident. A collision scenario can be mimicked regardless of the number of vehicles or occupants reported, the events reported, or the resulting damages and injuries.

Examples include:

A collision in which all vehicle occupants are aware of the scheme/plan – if occupants were not in the vehicle at the time of impact, they are known as jump-ins.
The vehicles reportedly involved never actually collided with each other – this is known as paper fraud.
Drivers and/or passengers of other involved vehicles are innocent and unaware – this is known as a caused collision.

Fraudulent collisions may result in real but unintended serious injuries to participants, bystanders and emergency response staff. These schemes pose a serious safety risk and create costs that are paid for by the general public.

How Staged Collisions Cost Everyone

Staged or caused collisions can a tactic of organized criminal groups. After staging a collision, a criminal ring will seek to maximize profits from their scheme by creating multiple insurance claims, for instance:

A tow truck operator may bill insurers for towing vehicles from the scene to reporting centres and/or body shops. False fees for fake or unnecessary services may include charges for wait times, scene cleanup, use of dollies, etc.
Drivers and passengers involved in a “fraud party” may submit false claims for:
a. Vehicle damage
b. Injury assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and/or assistive devices
c. Loss of income and other services

By requiring police, ambulance and fire personnel to attend a staged collision scene, limited resources – which could have responded to legitimate emergencies – are wasted. When drivers and passengers visit hospital emergency rooms or other public care facilities to legitimize false injury claims, care is delayed for other patients.

You've Been in an Accident

Here are some tips if you've been involved in an accident (legitimate or a potential scheme).

Call the police if:

someone is hurt;
you think any other driver may be guilty of a Criminal Code offence, such as driving under the influence;
you suspect you're the victim of a staged collision;
there is significant property damage or the vehicle is not in the condition to be driven.

If it's safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road. If you can't drive your vehicle, turn your hazard lights on, or use cones, warning triangles or flares.

Things to Keep in Mind

Regardless of the circumstances, never:

admit fault for the accident;
sign documents regarding fault;
promise to pay for the damages.

Take the Time. Report the Crime.