According to a recent press release by Dutch insurance cooperative Univé, more teenagers in the Netherlands are committing insurance fraud. They do this by hiding their names on moped and scooter insurance policies to avoid paying high premiums.
Univé reports a sharp rise in a practice called “fronting.” This occurs when someone other than the actual rider, usually a parent, is registered as the main policyholder. The insurer says it is tightening its rules to fight this growing problem across the market.
What Is Fronting and Why Is It Fraud?
Monique Anbergen, head of Univé Schade, explained, “Fronting happens when the real driver of the moped or scooter is not listed on the insurance. If done on purpose, it is a clear form of insurance fraud.”
Univé’s internal data reveals that suspected cases of misrepresentation have risen. Among applicants aged 16 to 22, such cases increased from 12% in 2023 to over 15% in 2024. In early 2025, the figure rose further to 20%, meaning one in five applicants may be involved.
The Problem Is Worst Among 16-Year-Olds
The trend is especially strong among 16-year-olds. In 2024, 40% of those who asked for a quote as 16 ended up buying a policy at an older age. This is up from 32% in 2023. If this pattern continues, Univé expects more than half of all 16-year-olds will engage in “impersonation” by year-end.
Vespa and Piaggio Owners Most Affected
Fronting is particularly common among owners of Vespa and Piaggio scooters. In 2024, 22% of Vespa owners aged 16 to 22 were not registered as the actual driver on their insurance. For 16-year-old Vespa riders, this rose sharply to 52%. Piaggio shows similar numbers, with 21% of young owners unregistered, including 44% of 16-year-olds.
Why Are Teens Committing Fronting?
Insurers link this fraud to high premiums for young, inexperienced drivers. Because these drivers have a higher accident risk, their insurance costs more. To lower these costs, teenagers often use quote tools to test different driver ages or have a parent or older sibling insure the vehicle instead.
Univé’s Response to the Problem
Previously, Univé offered a €1,000 deductible for confirmed head-on accidents involving young drivers. However, the company now says this is not enough. If an unregistered young driver causes an accident, Univé will refuse coverage altogether.
Anbergen advises, “We urge all customers to review their policies carefully. If a young driver uses the vehicle, the policy must be updated. Otherwise, if a claim is made and the driver is not listed, the damage will not be covered. The financial loss could be much higher than any saved premium.”
She added that Univé is not alone in facing this issue. “This problem is widespread across the insurance market,” she said.
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