Officials are warning staged car crashes, where scammers deliberately cause accidents to try to collect insurance money, are on the rise in New York.

What You Need To Know

  • 'Crash for cash' is when someone intentionally crashes a car for an insurance payout

  •  Insurance Information Institute: Staged crashes are driving up auto insurance premiums by as much as $300 per year

  •  In 2023, New York recorded nearly 1,800 staged crashes, a 14% increase over the previous year

The DMV says defensive driving is your best protection.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, staged crashes are driving up auto insurance premiums by as much as $300 per year. In 2023 alone, New York recorded nearly 1,800 staged crashes. A 14% increase over the previous year.

To avoid falling victim, experts say drivers should be alert, avoid tailgating and always anticipate sudden stops or erratic moves from other vehicles.

One crash investigator of the Syracuse Police Department who specializes in traffic homicides, Lonnie Dotson, has investigated dozens of these kinds of crashes.

“Reduce your speed, especially in conditions like today or in winter time, or on wet roadways," Dotson said. "And just being vigilant. Paying attention to other drivers on the roadway.”