‘Ghost broking’: cut-price car insurance isn’t all it seems

Drivers know they have fallen victim to a ghost broker if they are either stopped by the police, need to make a claim, or they are involved in a car accident, Photograph: Danil Roudenko/Alamy

After shelling out on driving lessons, waiting months for your test and taking out a loan to buy a first car, the dream of having your own transport is finally near. But there’s a stumbling block: insurance – and the quotes seem to be huge.

You are relieved when you see an ad on one of your socials that promises to cover you for just £1,000. Just a few clicks on your smartphone and you are done. After giving some details, you are emailed an insurance certificate.