New research has revealed road users lie to their providers about everything from mileage to parking fines in a desperate bid to reduce overall costs. Analysis from Select Car Leasing has found ten percent of road users do not reveal their true mileage to a car insurance provider.
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Millions of car insurance policies at risk for this reason
Mileage is one of the most important factors companies use to determine overall costs with those who use their car more often considered a higher risk on the road.
A total of eight percent have admitted to not revealing where they park their vehicle despite many insurers recommending cars are stored away from view and out of danger.
Insurance providers ask for information about where a car is kept and motorists could break the terms and conditions of a contract by not sticking to this.
A total of six percent of road users have admitted to lying about their job title to reduce the overall costs of an agreement.
A further six percent say they have lied about where they live as five percent have failed to reveal what their vehicle is really used for.
In a shocking reveal, the study found those from professional backgrounds such as chief executives and surgeons were more likely to lie.
A total of 55 percent of those in highly qualified progressions admitted to lying in at least one question asked by car insurance firms.
Mark Tongue, director of Select Car Leasing, said: “This study shows the many and varied lengths some drivers go to to save money on their insurance premiums.
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“Their antics may not be entirely new, but they could cost motorists dear if they are found out.
“While premiums can appear high, anyone found to be lying to their insurance firm faces swift and potentially expensive comeback.”
Select Car Leasing’s survey revealed London was the most dishonest place for car insurance applications in the UK.
A total of 58 percent of applications in the capital included some insurance lies compared to just 18 percent in the East Midlands, the least offending region.
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Almost one-third of Londoners lied about their location while a quarter did not reveal their yearly mileage figures.
Mr Tongue added: “No-one likes to have to fork out hundreds of pounds a year to ensure a motor.
“But that is the price people must be willing to pay to make sure they – and other roads users – are covered for any unfortunate eventuality.”
However, motorists are warned lying on a policy could have major consequences for customers.
According to Confused.com insurance providers have the right to invalidate a policy if they find out you have been lying.
Invalidated policies mean road users are not covered for the cost of damage in the event of a car crash meaning expensive bills will be passed to the owner.
According to Confused.com road users also risk being blacklisted by other car insurance providers if the lie is severe.
Motorists will find it harder to secure an agreement with an affordable, mainstream service and could be forced to find specialist providers.
Lying to a car insurance provider could also be considered fraud which could see police action taken against you.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) confirmed failing to disclose information at the application stage would be considered insurance fraud.
In a statement online, the ABI confirmed even basic tweaks to the truth could see a policy declared void when making a claim.
Go Compare data has revealed there were a total of 449,000 confirmed or suspected dishonest car insurance applications last year.
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