What is worse than figuring in an accident is learning that you are a victim of insurance fraud and will not be able to collect anything to help you with the damages of your property or medical expenses.
It is vital therefore to be sure about the legitimacy of your insurance company and report any suspicion you may have on an insurance fraudster. However, you should also know the appropriate steps to take.
To make sure you will not be a victim of insurance scam, you need to consider the following tips of what you should do if you suspect insurance fraud. You will not only be helping yourself but other unsuspecting consumers as well.
An attorney will also be handy in providing you with the necessary guidance in situations like this.
Tip#1: Know the Significance of Reporting Insurance Fraud
Knowing about insurance fraud and its impact will compel any consumer to report any instance of a scam. This is because even if they are not the actual victims of an insurance con, they will be affected in the long run since any uncovered fraud equates to higher premium that consumers will shoulder.
Consequently, deceptive insurance activities exposed will result to savings. Having such a vested interest cases like this will therefore encourage consumers to report incidences of fraud.
One way to avoid being deceived is by becoming an informed consumer. Insurance salesmen are such experts that you can easily be persuaded to get policies from them. However, no matter how good they talk, you will not be deceived if you are aware of what you are buying.
Insurance premiums are normally based on the degree of risk involved and the history of the individual. If you are aware of these facts you will not be scammed. It would also be advantageous to go comparison shopping to keep you abreast of typical premium rates and will be able to determine if what is offered to you is questionable.
Tip#2: Get All Pertinent Information
If you suspect insurance fraud, it is important to gather all pertinent information to serve as proof. These may include the following:
- All pertinent names and dates;
- Proofs of payments and copy of policies;
- Details of the suspected fraudulent activity;
- All supporting documents to substantiate your claim;
- Photos where applicable.
The relevant investigating agencies and authorities where you will report your suspicion are normally quite busy. Any document or information you provide them will be a big help especially with saving their time, effort and resources. Moreover, proper documentation of your claims will give it a better chance of success.
Tip#3: Speak With Your Own Insurer If You Think You Got a Bad Deal
If you believe you got a bad deal or have become a victim of insurance fraud, you need to handle the issue head on. Speak with your own insurer immediately and report your suspicions. These companies normally have their own anti-fraud departments in charge of looking into incidences of scams committed by their own agents and claim adjusters.
The problem may be solved from their level, some of which may only be glitches or errors that appeared to have been fraud. This way, you will get immediate solution.
If on the other hand, the insurance company is not able or is unwilling to help you, it would give you much ease to simply allow a personal injury attorney to handle the problem.
Tip#4: Get the Help of a Personal Injury Attorney
Reporting insurance fraud may prove tedious but is nevertheless necessary. A personal injury attorney who is familiar with dealing with insurance companies, thus relating fraudulent insurance activities, may be the one to handle the matter.
He can elevate the issue further by reporting it to the National Insurance Crime Bureau or the state’s insurance fraud bureau for you. Should a claim be necessary, your attorney can deal with all necessities to commence legal proceedings.
