Highway Code changes cause surge in dash cam sales amid ‘crash for cash’ fears

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

New Highway Code rules are expected to result in more ‘crash for cash’ insurance claims, according to a dash cam manufacturer.

The UK could face an increase in fraudulent driving claims, as experienced in China, Russia and Japan as the rule changes may “lower the barriers for potential fraudsters”, the firm warns.

A massive 500% increase in dash cam sales has already been reported by the brand Nextbase since the updated code came into force on Saturday (January 29), WalesOnline reports.

Among the changes, car, van and lorry drivers will all have significantly more responsibility for the safety of other road users.

READ MORE: All drivers without a private parking space risk being fined £70 under a proposed new law

Cyclists have also been encouraged to ride in the centre of lanes on quiet roads and approaching junctions.

Where motorists cannot prove they acted legally after a collision, they will likely be responsible for the majority, if not all, of financial damages and risk potential prosecution if they cannot prove that pedestrians, cyclists or e-scooter riders were at fault.

That has left drivers in fear of being vulnerable to expensive claims and criminal prosecution, prompting a sharp rise in dash cam sales as motorists move to ensure they have evidence to hand that could potentially support their case.

Now Dash Cam brand Nextbase has warned that the new rules could “lower the barriers for potential fraudsters and will likely lead to the rapid increase in crash for cash claims”.

Bryn Brooker, head of road safety at Nextbase, said: "There is widespread concern following these changes and misinformation is causing confusion and panic on UK roads.

“We want to ensure that motorists are aware of this new set of rules