False Accident Claim 2

A screenshot showing the truck backing into the car.

A truck driver who backed into a stationary car claimed in his accident statement that the car rear-ended him.

Fortunately for the car driver, he had a video recorder mounted in his vehicle that showed how the incident occurred. The truck's insurance company admitted full liability and promptly paid up.

Mr Kenney Quek, business development manager of ViGi Services, which markets a China-made digital video camera for vehicles, said it would have been extremely difficult for him to make his case without the video evidence.

He said that right after the episode, which happened in March, the truck driver admitted fault and "said I could claim against their insurance policy".

But in his accident statement, he changed his tune and said Mr Quek rear-ended him.

When presented with the video evidence however, the truck's insurer had to agree its client was at fault and paid about $5,200 for damages incurred to Mr Quek's car, including loss of use, "within a record two months".

Motor insurers said they are aware of digital video devices in the market, although they are still a niche market. "We believe they have certain benefits," said a spokesman for the General Insurance Association.

"In particular, the device would benefit the driver who is not at fault but who faces claims."

Aviva, which sells its motor insurance exclusively online, said similar systems are in use elsewhere.

Progressive Insurance in the US uses a camera that captures what goes on in front as well as at the back of the vehicle.

"If the vehicle is involved in an accident, the customer simply unclips the device and sends it to Progressive," said an Aviva spokesman.

There are several brands of recording devices currently available here and observers said they could soon be as widely used as navigation devices. Besides ViGi, other brands include AutoSafeBox, True-i, Vosonic, Marc and RoadScan.

One fleet operator that has invested in such devices is Rein Biotech Services, which delivers pet supplies. The firm spent $1,500 fitting up its seven vehicles three months ago with ViGi sets.

Sets on the market range from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 each.

Rein manager Wilson Wong said no accident has occurred yet, "but I notice the drivers tend to be a bit more careful now - that's a bonus".

Transport operator SBS Transit has fitted 1,500 buses with Prowler recorders, to help enforce bus-lane regulations.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

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