Warning follows arraignment of 16 residents in alleged auto insurance fraud ring involving body shop. Yesterday, the California Department of Insurance issued a public service announcement (PSA) with a warning for California drivers about an increase in scams involving tow truck companies targeting car accident victims where vehicles are being held hostage for cash. The […]
Fifteen Southern California Residents Charged in Alleged Auto Insurance Fraud Ring
Ring alleged to have acquired Highway Patrol collision reports, impersonated insurance company reps to get owner authorization to move vehicles to collision repair shop. The California Insurance Department announced that the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Task Force arrested 12 Southern California residents on May 9 after an investigation found they allegedly conspired together to create […]
State Senator Ann Gillespie Named Acting Director of Illinois Department of Insurance
On April 8, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) Director Dana Popish Severinghaus will step down from her role as of April 15. Popish Severinghaus has served as Director of DOI since January of 2021. Governor Pritzker has appointed State Senator Ann Gillespie as new Acting Director of DOI, pending […]
California Alleges Mercury Insurance Illegally Steered Good Drivers to Higher Priced Auto Insurance
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 […]