1976 Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000 - Image: City of London Police

A man has been sentenced for orchestrating a sophisticated insurance fraud scheme, which involved high-value classic cars, following a collaboration with City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), and insurers Aviva and RSA.

Danny Phipps, 32, of Lindridge Cottages, Lamberhurst, was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, at Maidstone Crown Court on 8 August 2025. The court also set a confiscation timetable for Phipps to repay money that had been fraudulently gained.

The investigation discovered Phipps had made fraudulent claims for classic cars which were described as being in immaculate condition. Shortly after the policies were taken out, the vehicles were falsely reported as stolen. This included a 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth and a 1976 Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000.

In addition to motor claims, Phipps also made fraudulent claims for business equipment, which included construction tools and machinery.

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth - Image: City of London Police

John Davies, Intelligence and Investigations Manager at the IFB, said:

“In collaboration with Aviva, RSA, and IFED, we uncovered that Danny Phipps was behind a network of fraudulent activity, which included using false bank statements, images and identity documents to facilitate bogus claims worth thousands.

"Unsurprisingly, his elaborate attempts to defraud the industry backfired, and justice has been served.

"Insurance fraud isn’t a victimless crime - it drives up premiums for everyone. With our police and industry partners, we’re committed to protecting the public from its devastating impact. We encourage anyone with evidence of an insurance scam to report it to our confidential CheatLine.”

Find out more about this case on City of London Police’s News Centre.