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Insurance Scams & Hit-and-Runs: Why No Driver Is Safe Without a Dash cam
June 13, 2025

Insurance Scams & Hit-and-Runs: Why No Driver Is Safe Without a Dash cam

You’re stopped at a red light, waiting patiently for the signal to change. Suddenly, the car behind you slams into yours. Or, you return to a parking lot to find your vehicle damaged, with no note or witness in sight. These scenarios are not rare—they’re happening every day, all across the country. Insurance scams and hit-and-runs are on the rise, and no driver is immune. This guide will reveal the shocking statistics, explain why these dangers are growing, and show how a dash cam can be your only reliable defense.

The Epidemic of Insurance Fraud

 

Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. It costs every American driver dearly—not just in dollars, but in peace of mind and safety

  •  $308 Billion Annually: Insurance fraud costs U.S. consumers more than $308 billion every year, making it one of the most expensive white-collar crimes in the nation.
  • $900 Per Year Per Household: The average American family pays an extra $900 each year in increased premiums due to insurance fraud.
  • 10–20% of All Claims Are Fraudulent: Insurers estimate that between 10% and 20% of all insurance claims are fraudulent, with some estimates for specific types of fraud even higher.
  • Staged Accidents on the Rise: Staged car accidents—where fraudsters deliberately cause collisions to exploit insurance payouts—are becoming more common and brazen. In New York, staged accidents increased by 14% annually, and in New Jersey, they spiked by 58% in recent years. These schemes are especially prevalent in high-traffic states like California, New York, and Florida.
  • Collaboration with Medical Professionals and Attorneys: In some cases, fraudsters work with unscrupulous medical clinics and attorneys to inflate injury claims, making the scams even more lucrative and damaging.

Hit-and-Runs: The Cowardly Crime That’s Everywhere

Hit-and-run accidents are another growing threat, leaving innocent drivers to pick up the pieces—often without justice or compensation.

  • 14.5% of All Crashes Involve a Hit-and-Run: According to the Pew Research Foundation, about 14.5% of all car crashes in the U.S. involve a driver who flees the scene.
  • Fatal Hit-and-Runs: Roughly 7.3% of fatal motor vehicle accidents are hit-and-runs, with some cities reporting even higher rates. For example, in St. Louis, 40% of reported fatal car crashes in 2023 were hit-and-runs.
  • 104,273 Hit-and-Runs in 2023: That year, there were an estimated 104,273 hit-and-run crashes in the U.S., with only a 1% decrease from the previous year.
  • Most Victims Are Pedestrians and Bicyclists: The majority of fatal hit-and-runs involve pedestrians (62%) and bicyclists (8%), but drivers and passengers are also at risk.
  • Nighttime Danger: More than 80% of hit-and-run fatalities occur at dawn, dusk, or night, when visibility is poor and perpetrators think they can escape unnoticed.
silver and black car engine
man in white and black stripe shirt and black pants standing beside black car during daytime

Why Are Insurance Scams and Hit-and-Runs So Common?

Several factors contribute to the rise of these crimes:

  • Financial Incentive: Fraudsters see insurance payouts as easy money, and hit-and-run drivers often flee to avoid legal consequences or higher premiums.
  • Low Risk of Getting Caught: Without clear evidence, it’s difficult for police and insurers to identify the culprits.
  • Busy, Congested Roads: High-traffic areas are prime targets for staged accidents and hit-and-runs, as there are more potential victims and more opportunities to blend in.
  • Lack of Witnesses: Many hit-and-runs occur when no one is around to see what happened, making it nearly impossible to prove fault or identify the driver.

 

How Dash cams Protect You From These Threats

Dash cams are not just gadgets—they are your best defense against insurance scams and hit-and-runs.

 1. Capturing the Truth in Insurance Scams
 
Dash cam footage provides indisputable evidence of what really happened during an accident. In staged accidents, it can show the deliberate actions of fraudsters, such as sudden braking or intentional collisions. This evidence is invaluable for proving your innocence and protecting yourself from fraudulent claims.

2. Solving Hit-and-Runs

When a hit-and-run occurs, dash cam footage can capture the make, model, color, and license plate of the fleeing vehicle—sometimes even the driver’s face. This information is critical for police investigations and for recovering damages from the at-fault party.

3. Deterring Criminals

The mere presence of a dash cam can deter fraudsters and hit-and-run drivers. Knowing they are being recorded, criminals are less likely to target your vehicle or attempt a scam.

4. Supporting Insurance Claims

Dash cam footage can dramatically increase the success rate of insurance claims. Studies show that having video evidence can boost the likelihood of a successful claim by up to 50%, as it eliminates disputes over what happened.

5. Peace of Mind

With a dash cam, you can drive with confidence, knowing that you have a reliable witness on your side. Whether you’re parked or on the road, your dash cam is always watching, ready to protect you from the unexpected.

Real-World Impact: Dash cams in Action

  • New York City: A driver’s dash cam captured a silver Honda cutting her off, stopping short, and reversing into her—a classic staged accident. The footage was crucial for police and insurance investigators.
  • New Mexico: Dash cam and surveillance footage have helped solve numerous hit-and-run cases, providing clear evidence that led to arrests and compensation for victims.
  • Commercial Fleets: Companies that use dash cams report fewer accidents and lower insurance costs, as video evidence reduces fraudulent claims and reckless driving.

What If You Don’t Have a Dash Cam?

Without a dash cam, you’re at the mercy of eyewitnesses and luck. Insurance disputes become “he said, she said” battles, and hit-and-run cases often go unsolved. The financial and emotional cost of being a victim can be devastating—especially when you’re left to pay for someone else’s crime.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Be a Victim

Insurance scams and hit-and-runs are on the rise, and no driver is safe. With fraud costing Americans billions each year and hit-and-runs claiming thousands of lives, the risk is real and growing. A dash cam is your best—and sometimes only—defense against these threats.

✓ 4K Ultra High Definition Front Camera: Captures crystal-clear, ultra-high-definition video footage for superior detail and clarity in recordings.

✓ Infrared (IR) Rear Camera: Equipped with an IR rear camera for enhanced night vision and clear video recording inside or at the back of the vehicle.

✓ Cloud Connectivity: Supports BlackVue Cloud for real-time alerts, live view, video backup, and remote access to your dash cam from anywhere.

✓ Dual-Channel Recording: Simultaneously records both front and rear views, providing comprehensive coverage and increased security for your vehicle.

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