Beware of misleading web ads and websites for car insurance claims
Recently there’s been an increase in misleading online ads that relate to making a car insurance claim. Do you know the difference between a real ad and a fake ad online? Especially if you’re looking to make a claim?
Car insurance customers are being warned to double-check they are using the right contact details to make a claim after an accident, to avoid getting taken in by claims firms posing as legitimate insurers.
Some customers who use the internet browser on their mobile phone to search for their insurer’s claims line may be misled by adverts that appear at the top of search engine results.
The web results they may see are designed to look like they provide contact details for the insurance company but are actually paid-for adverts operated by claims management companies. If you google 'car insurance claims' or similar you will some examples of what to avoid.
As well as being misleading, some of these firms operate slick-looking websites that customers might easily assume are operated by their actual insurance company, but in reality have no affiliation.
Don’t be fooled
It can be stressful standing on a roadside after an accident, so it is easy to be tricked.
But it is important that customers who have been involved in an accident are able to speak to their insurer directly to settle their claim.
Claims management companies have, in the past, been accused of exaggerating claims that push up the costs of insurance for honest customers. They have also been accused of unscrupulous behaviour that has fuelled a compensation culture in the UK. Not only this, but going through these companies means the claim usually takes much longer to settle as well, which just adds to an already stressful situation.
Crackdown on scam ads
Google and other tech firms have been under increasing pressure from UK campaigners and regulators to take action to stop scamming financial services advertisers[1].
Last September, Google introduced requirements so that all financial services advertisers targeting the UK must demonstrate that they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)[2].
However, campaigners have warned that fraudsters are still managing to buy ads and scam people through fake ads[3].
Contact your insurance company directly
If you’re using a mobile device to find your insurance company’s claims contact number, it’s best to start at their home page and follow the instructions for making a claim.
And when you get through to somebody on the phone, check that they do actually represent your insurer. It is common sense, but when we find ourselves in a stressful situation, we are more likely to forget and are more easily caught out.
If in doubt, use the phone number provided on your insurance policy document and to make life easier save this number to your contacts in your mobile phone.
It’s quick and easy to make a car insurance claim with Ageas, just go to our e-claims service to register your claim online.
If you need urgent assistance, please call Ageas on 0345 165 5796, available 24/7 in an emergency.
[1] https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/02/government-must-include-scam-ads-in-the-online-safety-bill/
[2] https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/07/google-tightens-rules-to-stamp-out-scam-ads/
[3] https://news.sky.com/story/alarming-growth-in-fraud-in-the-uk-as-scam-adverts-dupe-victims-out-of-large-sums-of-money-mps-warn-12530441
