A British man who fraudulently claimed more than £300,000 ($563,000) from three insurers has been jailed for more than four years.

Daniel Thomas spent his payouts on luxury holidays and high-value cars, but he was caught following an investigation by City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department.

The 46-year-old from Reading scammed Direct Line Group, the Post Office and Great Lakes Insurance, submitting fraudulent travel medical emergency claims using false identities, fabricated documents and online platforms between October 2020 and February 2022.

In one case, Thomas said he and his family contracted salmonella and gastroenteritis at a resort in Antigua. He submitted fabricated medical documents and invoices totalling £45,000 ($84,386), supported by fake doctors, websites and treatment records.

In another claim, for £150,000 ($281,288), he said his family was involved in a traffic collision in Antigua in August 2021.

A search of Thomas’ vehicle uncovered Spanish passports, bank cards, date stamps and a driving licence suspected to be linked to the fraud.

A search of his home found medical documents relating to the Antigua claims.

Thomas pleaded guilty in May.

City of London Police’s Detective Constable Carley Parodi said: “This outcome demonstrates how close collaboration between industry and law enforcement partners can bring offenders to justice.

“Thomas exploited the insurance industry for personal financial gain. Our role is to protect honest policyholders and support the integrity of the insurance industry.”