Don’t Get Ghosted: Young Drivers and Fake Car Insurance
Getting your first car and hitting the road is a huge milestone, but it also means navigating the
world of car insurance. Unfortunately, there’s scammers waiting to target new and young drivers with tempting deals that are too good to be true – these are often signs of “ghost broking.
Ghost brokers sell fake car insurance policies, commonly advertising on social media platforms.
They usually create completely bogus documents, alter real policies, or even cancel real policies after selling them to you, pocketing the refund, but the initial paperwork can be identical to the real thing. The result? You think you’re insured, but you’re actually driving without valid insurance – a serious legal offence.


What’s a Broker?
A broker is a business that will use your details, and compare them against a range of companies to find (broker), the best deal. The broker makes their money by being paid commission for recommending you to them. Familiar broker examples* are; compare.com, Compare the Market, and Adrian Flux, who may compare with insurance companies like Admiral, Aviva, and LV.

Why are young drivers targeted?
New drivers often face higher insurance premiums, making those super-cheap deals offered by
ghost brokers seem incredibly appealing. But the consequences of falling for this scam can be
devastating. Imagine being involved in an accident. If your policy is fake, you’re on your own. You’ll be personally responsible for covering damages to other vehicles, medical bills, and legal costs. This could lead to serious financial hardship for driving without insurance, points on your licence, and criminal prosecution. This will also cause insurance companies in future to either not insure you, or charge higher amounts, as they will see you as a greater risk.

How to avoid getting “ghosted”
• Be wary of deals that sound too good to be true: If a price is significantly lower than other
quotes, it’s a red flag.
• Do your research; Check the credentials of any insurance broker or company. Are they
registered? Do they have a legitimate website and contact information?
• Verify directly with the insurer: If you’re unsure about a policy’s legitimacy, contact the insurance
company directly to confirm. Don’t rely solely on contact details provided by the broker.
• Don’t rush: Take your time to compare quotes from reputable insurance providers.
• Don’t be pressured into making a quick decision.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the broker about the policy details, coverage, and claims
process. A legitimate broker will be happy to answer your questions.
Getting affordable car insurance is important, but it’s crucial to do it the right way. Don’t let the
lure of a cheap deal blind you to the risks of ghost broking. Protect yourself by being vigilant and doing your due diligence. Your safety and financial well-being depend on it.

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