Insurance fraud is often perceived as being different from other types of crime as it is viewed as a victimless crime in which nobody is hurt.

In reality, however, insurance fraud costs insurance companies in Ireland an estimated €200 million annually - which ends up being paid by honest policyholders, with the cost adding on average €50 to each and every motor insurance policy.

Last week the President of the Circuit Court Mr Justice Raymond Groarke dismissed the personal injury actions brought by a number of people on the grounds of evidence submitted by the insurer in the case, Aviva Insurance.

In a statement after the decision, Aviva said, "apart from its direct impact on the cost of car insurance, staged accidents take up the time and resources of the gardaí and other emergency services diverting them from cases of genuine need. More importantly, staged accidents are a real threat to the safety of innocent road users."

Allan Archer, is Head of Claims at Aviva’s General Insurance business, and spoke to Jonathan Healy on Newstalk Lunchtime about the decision, and the general impacts of fraud on the insurance industry:

"We're absolutely delighted with the court result," Allan told Jonathan. "It was a real vindication for the effort we put into the case and a real endorsement for Aviva's zero tolerance strategy to fraud. Most importantly it's great for our customers."

Allan explained that his company believes they have been "penetrated by at least six fraud rings across the country... We believe there are two gangs who have orchestrated and colluded to stage... approximately 20 accidents involving 70 different people" he explained.

Discussing how they investigate suspected fraud cases, Allan explained "one of the telltale signs is you would have multiple people in both vehicles, you'd have a low speed impact out of normal hours, [and] remote locations..."

However he pointed out the company has dedicated resources and use specialised technology to make sure genuine claims are processed as quickly as possible and not mistaken for fraud cases.

Allan says the large awards given out in Ireland are a significant motivator for insurance fraud here, saying "we have evidence that people are flying in from abroad for a day to be involved in accidents."

Discussing the subjects of increasing insurance costs, Allan said, "fraud is one of the key cost drivers we're seeing at the moment - it's not the main reason, but it is one of the key components of why costs are going up. Certainly the less insurers have to pay out... the more benefit to everybody in society."