Slowing down the review of insurance claims, increasing premium payments, and putting drivers at risk — are the typical consequences of insurance fraud.
While it might seem that insurance scams cannot hurt anyone, rapidly increasing auto insurance rates prove otherwise.
With fraudsters regularly practicing their schemes, even cautious drivers are at risk. For instance, if a driver gets into a staged car accident, he can pay for the illegal activities of fraudsters. And while that might seem like a highly implausible situation, the possible financial implications require additional security measures and an understanding of typical deception techniques.
Why is it crucial for drivers to understand what fraud is about? In a nutshell, careful driving can never guarantee a fraud-free environment or less exposure to fraud-related issues. In this case, a human factor is always behind the problem. While being insured implies being one step closer to financial stability, it cannot shield you from different types of insurance frauds or con artists, for that matter. If you choose to go uninsured, the implications of the fraud can be even more disastrous. To make sure that you pick appropriate coverage, use an American REIA. This way, you will see the bigger picture and make an informed decision.
Naturally, no one enjoys being conned or tricked into paying extra out of your insurance. And that is why every driver should be informed about the typical fraudulent schemes and keep an eye out. Automobile insurance fraud is often characterized as hard or soft when identified and reported. The latter can also be called a half-truth, misrepresentation, or an exaggeration of facts that typically results in illegal compensation.
For instance, a policyholder can overinflate the value of stolen personal belongings, use a friend’s address for registration purposes, or misstate the vehicle’s mileage. The typical examples of complex fraud cases are injury fraud, fake crashes, or planned auto theft. Even though the severity differs, both types are considered illegal and can result in jail time.
To successfully avoid the typical fraudulent schemes, drivers need to stay alert and remember the common approaches used by fraudsters. The following list includes the most common components and scenarios used by con artists or policyholders themselves:
Infographics source: https://isure.ca/inews/auto-insurance-fraud/
Since anyone can unknowingly become a victim of auto insurance fraud, it is crucial to spot suspicious actions and understand how to act should the situation present itself. In case you witness, fall victim to or have any information about the potential crime, consider taking the following steps:
Naturally, the essence of auto insurance fraud is fluid and can take many forms. Whether you consider a slight exaggeration of your claim or an omission, bear in mind that any of these actions are illegal, and white lies are never safe.
Given that auto insurance fraud can involve anyone, be vigilant and attentive to details if an accident occurs. Besides, keep in mind that a recommendation from your insurance company is the only safe option.
Understanding your rights and the importance of accountability is crucial to being on the safe side. If you have any questions regarding your insurance policy or your rights under it, do not hesitate to contact the insurer hotline or its representative.
Victoria is a Content Writer at American REIA, covering the latest industry news and various insurance topics, including auto, home, health, and life insurance.