Aviva, a leading insurance company, has announced that its counter-fraud team has detected over 6,000 fraudulent insurance claims in the first half of 2025, worth more than £60 million. This translates to over £334,000 in prevented fraud every day. The company’s commitment to protecting its customers from the harmful effects of fraud has led to a significant increase in detected fraud, with prison sentences for those caught exceeding 32 years, a 9-year increase from 2024.
The types of claims fraud detected by Aviva’s counter-fraud team include “crash for cash” scams, where fraudsters deliberately stage or induce a motor collision, as well as more inventive attempts such as using photoshopped documents, fake photographic evidence, and exaggerated claims. In one instance, a customer claimed to have suffered life-changing injuries after slipping in a puddle, but was caught out when they appeared on a reality TV show, revealing an ongoing active lifestyle.
Aviva’s Head of Claims Counter Fraud, Pete Ward, emphasized the importance of protecting honest customers from the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of fraud. He noted that the company’s continued investment in fraud detection capabilities is leading to more fraudsters being caught out, and that those who commit fraud are increasingly likely to face consequences.
The company’s counter-fraud team uses a range of techniques to detect and prevent fraud, including analyzing electronic evidence, such as data from a vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit. In one case, this data revealed that a vehicle’s airbags had been deployed in 2023, but not since, exposing a fraudulent claim.
Aviva’s efforts to combat insurance fraud are part of a broader commitment to protecting its customers and reducing pressure on premiums. The company works closely with law enforcement and the industry to stop innocent customers being affected by the illegal actions of fraudsters. With its robust defence and deterrence strategy, Aviva is sending a clear message that insurance fraud will not be tolerated, and that those who attempt to commit fraud will be caught and face the consequences.