Personal Injury Law

Operation Cover Me Fighting Back Against Auto Insurance Fraud

By Amber Wheat

During tough economic times it is hard to make ends meet. With all the monthly bills that pile up, one of the hardest ones to swallow is auto insurance. It’s betting on losing and most people out there don’t like to pay it. A while ago my boss wrote about the spree of hit-and-runs and uninsured motorists. Many people are tempted to lower their coverage or just drop it when the choice is between making a house payment and making an insurance payment.

But then what happens when you get in an accident and actually need insurance? Well a recent trend in California is buying the policy after it has happened and then lying about the circumstances to receive the benefits. Apparently the fraud has gotten so bad that the Department of Insurance and the District Attorneys from multiple counties have teamed up to combat the increasing instances of fraud.

On Wednesday, they announced that twenty-eight arrests have been made so far. Others are being sought with warrants and were issued orders to appear at arraignment. People got their families and friends involved to perpetrate this fraud and all will have to answer for their actions. The counties participating are El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Yolo. The Suspects defrauded 21st Century, CSAA, Esurance, Progressive, and Geico, among many others.

Fraud is a very serious offense and the people who are caught will learn quickly that it is just not worth it. Get insurance, even a minimum policy is better than nothing. It’s safer for you and it’s the law.

Full post as published by Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer on February 05, 2009 (boomark / email).