California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara yesterday announced a legal action against Mercury Insurance for violating consumer protection laws, including by selling Mercury’s highest-priced policy to “good drivers” instead of the lowest-priced policy for which good drivers qualify. This legal enforcement action comes after a Department investigation found numerous areas where Mercury’s business practices harmed policyholders […]
AASP/NJ Members Learn Department of Insurance Do’s and Dont’s
Members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) recently gathered for “Understanding the Role of the Division of Insurance,” an association-hosted virtual event that welcomed industry attorney Patrick J. McGuire, Esq. for a discussion on the do’s and don’ts of successfully submitting complaints and inquiries to the New Jersey Department of […]
California Collision Repair Shops Charged with Felony Insurance Fraud
Department of Insurance and Contra Costa District Attorney’s office undercover sting results in eight felony charges against four individuals. To crack down on automobile insurance fraud, the California Department of Insurance, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) conducted an undercover sting operation targeting collision repair facilities across Contra […]
Arizona Insurance Department Director Steps Down
The Arizona Governor’s Office announced today that Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions Director Keith Schraad will be leaving his post for an opportunity in the private sector. Schraad’s last day as director will be today. Effective immediately, Christina Corieri, the Governor’s senior policy advisor, will serve as Interim Director of Department of Insurance […]
North Carolina Insurance Department Launches Criminal Investigations Reserve Unit to Fight Insurance Fraud
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey has organized its first Criminal Investigations Reserve Unit to combat the extensive number of fraud cases in the state. The new inductees, four veteran law enforcement personnel, were sworn-in Thursday, August 8. “Today’s ceremony is a testament to the character of these men and women who are donating their […]
Court Upholds California DOI $27.5 Million Fine Against Mercury Insurance for Charging Additional Fees for Auto Insurance
Yesterday, the California Court of Appeal upheld a $27.5 million fine the Department of Insurance issued against Mercury Insurance Company for charging illegal fees that should have been disclosed as premiums, a violation of Proposition 103. The fine is the largest in the Department’s history against a property and casualty insurer. In 2015, the Commissioner […]
Texas Collision Repair Shop Owner Sentenced for Insurance Fraud
Repair facility operator pleaded guilty to first-degree felony, ordered to repay more than $76,000. A Travis County, Texas collision repair shop owner was sentenced to 10 years of probation after Texas Department of Insurance investigators found he had reported accidents that never took place and intentionally damaged vehicles to increase insurance payouts for repairs. The […]
California Regulator Takes Control of Small Failing Insurer Impacted by Wildfires
Deadliest and most destructive fire in California history overwhelms Merced Property & Casualty Company. The California Insurance Department took expedited legal action to secure the assets of and take control of Merced Property & Casualty Company, in an effort to protect the company’s policyholders, including those who suffered losses in the Camp Fire. provided both […]
Auto Body Shop Owner Alleged Ring Leader of Insurance Fraud Ring in California
Detectives from the California Department of Insurance, arrested four people November 16 for allegedly ripping off four auto insurers for more than $34,000 by filing fraudulent insurance claims. One additional suspect was taken into custody Thursday, November 15, 2018. All suspects were booked into the Sacramento County Jail. Investigated by the Urban Auto Fraud Task […]
California Department of Insurance Finds Use of Opt-OEM and Alt-OEM Designations Unfair Claims Practice
DOI joins with California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair to prohibit use of parts terms. CollisionWeek interviews Don Feeley, Interim Executive Director of the California Autobody Association. In a letter dated October 8 to the California Autobody Association (CAA), the California Department of Insurance (DOI) responded to questions by the repair association regarding the use of […]