Is a car insurance deal offered by someone I met online or through social media legitimate?
No. Private individuals cannot legally sell or arrange car insurance — this is a regulated activity. Any such offer is either a scam or a form of illegal 'ghost broking'.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Ghost broking is an insurance fraud in which a fraudster sells fake or doctored car insurance policies, usually at significantly below-market rates. Victims believe they are covered, only to discover when making a claim — or when stopped by police — that the policy is counterfeit or was taken out with false details that make it void. Ghost brokers advertise heavily on social media and messaging apps and often operate as apparently private individuals. A genuine car insurance policy is only available through a regulated insurer or broker listed on your country's financial regulator's register. Never buy insurance from someone who contacts you on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook — regardless of how convincing the documentation looks.
Common red flags
- Insurance offered through a social media profile or messaging app
- Price significantly lower than comparison site quotes
- Policy documentation delivered as an image or PDF without a policy number
- Seller asks for your personal details but does not ask about driving history in detail
- No verifiable insurer name or broker licence number on the documents
What to do now
- Buy insurance only from a regulated insurer or broker on the financial regulator's register
- Verify your policy by contacting the insurer directly using their official number
- Report suspected ghost brokers to your financial regulator and police
- Check your existing policy if you have any doubts about how it was arranged
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I unknowingly drove with a ghost-broked policy?
Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence regardless of whether you were deceived. Report it to the police and seek genuine cover immediately.