A major problem that insurance companies face is insurance fraud. This area of fraud has many different types, all of which can prove to be extremely expensive to insurance companies and policy holders. Because of this, insurance companies devote whole departments to seeking out and verifying insurance fraud. This process may sound startling to some, but it is a sure-fire way to catch fraud, effectively decreasing costs for both companies and their policy holders.
Insurance fraud is a crime, and there are many ways in which such fraud can be committed. These include home, car, personal injury, health, personal effects, and insurance fraud. The fraud can be perpetrated with false claims, forged documents, excessive amounts claimed, and in many other ways. If insurance companies can prove that they’ve been defrauded, then they will be repaid. The offenders will also be convicted of felony charges. Felony convictions will result in permanent damage to the careers of the people convicted, and they frequently result in time in prison.
There are many ways to obtain the information of charges that are filed against you if you should be accused of insurance fraud. While some people choose to go it alone, others will hire an attorney, but whatever method you choose your first course of action should be to get the details of the charges that have been filed.
Hiring a personal attorney has both advantages and disadvantages. Hiring an attorney may result in the insurance company taking a more conservative approach in reviewing charges against you; they will be more careful to make sure that they actually have a lawful claim in court. Hiring attorneys can be expensive, though, and in a scenario where it is a basic misunderstanding, it can prove to be more cost effective to represent yourself.
Representing yourself is another possibility. If the insurance company provides a solid case, against you, however, you may find it better to have advice from a personal attorney. For a simple misunderstanding, an attorney is not always necessary, and you can always get their assistance later.
When the charges are presented against you, a decision needs to be made on whether you will be enlisting the help of an attorney or representing yourself. Some things to consider: if it is a misunderstanding, the strength of the claim, the need for documents or testimonials as evidence, and the time it will take to resolve the matter.
Make every reasonable effort to resolve the issue as quickly and efficiently as is within your power. Give serious consideration to resolving the situation outside of the court system if it appears possible. However, if the insurance company appears unwilling to negotiate (or unwilling to even give you a listen) or you feel you?ve been falsely accused, it may be advisable to present your case in court with an attorney?s assistance.
Graham McKenzie is the syndication coordinator a leading South African Insurance information portal, which amongst others specialises in Car Insurance.
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