Crossword Genius

Crazy auto claims can be ruinous (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

calamitous

'ruinous' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'crazy auto claims' is the wordplay.
'crazy' is an anagram indicator.
'auto'+'claims'='autoclaims'
'autoclaims' anagrammed gives 'CALAMITOUS'.

'can be' acts as a link.

(Another definition for calamitous that I've seen is " Catastrophic".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app