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You can help stop insurance fraud
Insurance crime—vehicle theft and fraud—costs everyone, not just insurance
companies. As an insurance consumer, you pay for insurance fraud in the form of higher
premiums. In fact, the National Insurance Crime
Bureau (NICB) estimates the average insured American household loses $200 each year to
insurance criminals.
Fraud takes a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from staged auto accidents and
exaggerated workers compensation claims to policy misrepresentations (such as lying about
a place of residence premises to get a lower rate). The NICB, law enforcement agencies and
insurance companies are all working together to crack down on insurance criminals, but
they can’t do it without your help. Here are a few simple steps you can take to fight
this costly crime:
Be a good witness. If you see an accident happen, or are involved in one
yourself, promptly report what you’ve seen to the proper authorities. Your report may
provide clues that help determine if a claim is fraudulent.
Get the facts. Don’t forget the basics in the confusion that follows any
accident. Write down names, addresses, telephone numbers, driver’s license and plate
numbers, as well as insurance company names and policy numbers. Get the names of
witnesses, too.
Don’t fall for a fraudulent invitation. Insurance criminals often sound
helpful and reasonable. They come from all social and economic walks of life. They may
appear on the scene of an accident or may offer to "help" later—at the body
shop, the doctor’s office or the lawyer’s office. No matter how tempting,
don’t agree to falsify claims or exaggerate an injury. If you do, you’re
committing fraud and could be prosecuted!
If you see fraud, report it. If you’re approached by one of these insurance
criminals—or you suspect insurance fraud or vehicle theft activity—report it to
you insurance company, the police, and/or the NICB’s fraud hot line: 1-800-TEL-NICB.
With the NICB’s hot line, you don’t have to give your name, and you’re
eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Best of all, yours could be the tip that lands an
insurance criminal in jail.
Speak up. Let others know how costly insurance fraud is. When someone brags
about getting a big settlement for a minor injury, don’t congratulate them. Tell
them, they’re contributing to higher insurance rates for everyone.
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