How to Report Insurance Fraud in California
Insurance fraud hurts everyone who buys an insurance policy since insurance premiums are based on the number and size of claims made for similar policies. The underwriting department of insurance companies must factor predicted paid benefits into premiums. When someone is abusing the insurance system, it benefits everyone to report it. The California Department of Insurance has an Insurance Fraud and Investigations Unit with offices throughout the state.
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Instructions
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Gather all information you have regarding the person you believe to be committing fraud. Don't try to be a private investigator but if you have pictures or other documentation that substantiates that a person is taking insurance benefits fraudulently, you will help investigators get to the facts quickly. Common areas of insurance fraud is workers' compensation, disability or homeowner's claims.
Other fraudulent activity may pertain to those selling or claiming to sell insurance. Fraudulent activity from agents include phony insurance companies, bail misconduct, premium theft and senior citizen abuse.
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Contact the California Department of Insurance. You can access the website at insurance.ca.gov or call 916-854-5760 for an office close to you.
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Call your local office or make an appointment to see an investigator. Bring in your documentation or mail all facts and documents you have to the local office. You can request to have your name kept confidential to prevent any retaliation from the suspect. Get the name of the investigator and a case number.
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Follow up with the investigator regarding any additional information that may present itself to you. You won't be given details about the progress of the investigation as that is confidential between the investigators, suspect and insurance company.
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Tips & Warnings
Although reports are kept confidential, you may experience retaliation from someone you have reported for suspected fraud. If you fear retaliation, contact the police department immediately and provide the details to the Fraud Enforcement Division.
