New figures have revealed motor insurers uncovered 24,000 fraudulent car insurance claims worth over £260 million last year.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the number of illegal applications amounts to £5 million each week while the number of claims detected has increased by 70 per cent over the last three years.

Nick Starling, the ABI's director of general insurance and health, is warning those considering this course of action they face criminal convictions as well as significantly more expensive insurance cover in the future.

"Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime. Honest motorists pay through higher insurance premiums - an extra £40 a year on average … anyone committing insurance fraud … will find future insurance and credit harder to obtain," he said.

Police in Luton recently charged 40 people in connection with a £5.3 million car insurance plan, after staging collisions in order to claim money from insurance policies.

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