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It's traumatic enough to be in an automobile accident, but imagine finding out that the accident is no accident.

The NICB recommends the following tips for consumers to protect themselves from staged vehicle collisions:

• When driving, look beyond the car in front of you. If you see traffic slowing, apply the brake. Do not wait for the car directly ahead of you to brake first.
• Allow ample space between your car and the car ahead of you so there is time to react to a sudden stop. As a rule, your car should be one car length back for every ten miles an hour traveled. For example, a car traveling 60 miles an hour should be six car lengths back.
• Be especially careful when turning into a lane that allows for two vehicles to turn left simultaneously. People committing staged collisions often prey on cars that cross the center line, purposely sideswiping the victim's car.
• If you are in a collision, count the number of passengers in the other car. If possible, get their names, telephone numbers and driver's license numbers. Often more people will file claims than were actually in the car.
• Call the police to the scene and get a police report with the police officer's name, even if the damage is negligible. If the report describes damage to the claimant's car as a nick, it is harder for them to damage the car later and try to collect a larger claim.
• Carry a disposable camera in your glove compartment. Take as many pictures of the other car and its passengers as possible.