Report Auto Insurance Fraud In Florida: Step-By-Step Guide

Florida is one of the leading states in the country for fraud, and insurance scams are prevalent in several communities. This leaves Florida residents paying some of the highest premiums in the US. Automobile insurance fraud can take many forms, including staged accidents, unnecessary repairs, and identity theft. To combat this, Florida has established a Bureau of Insurance Fraud, which consists of two districts and five regions located throughout the state. Each district is commanded by a law enforcement major, and each of the 22 squads is supervised by a lieutenant. The Bureau investigates alleged acts of insurance fraud not categorized as workers' compensation fraud, including vehicle, homeowners, and life insurance fraud. If you suspect insurance fraud in Florida, you can report it to the state by calling 800-378-0445 or visiting https://first.fldfs.com/.

Report to the Florida Bureau of Insurance Fraud

The Florida Bureau of Insurance Fraud investigates alleged acts of insurance fraud that are not categorized as workers' compensation fraud. This includes vehicle insurance fraud. The Bureau is split into two Districts, each commanded by a law enforcement major, and five regions across the state of Florida.

To report auto insurance fraud to the Florida Bureau of Insurance Fraud, you can contact the relevant District Commander or the Bureau Chief.

For District I, commanded by Major Laquanda Green, use the following contact details:

• Address: 200 N Kentucky Ave, Suite 230 Lakeland, FL 33801
• Phone number: (863) 316-6001
• Email: [email protected]

For District II, commanded by Major Rafael Delgado, use these contact details:

• Address: 1400 West Commercial Bld, Suite 135 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
• Phone number: (954) 958-5402
• Email: [email protected]

To contact the Bureau Chief, Chris Welch, use the following:

• Address: 200 East Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0324
• Phone number: (850) 413-3115
• Email: [email protected]

You can also report auto insurance fraud to the state of Florida by visiting https://first.fldfs.com/ or by calling 800-378-0445.

Report to the National Insurance Crime Bureau

If you suspect auto insurance fraud in Florida, you can report it to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The NICB is a non-profit organization that works with insurance companies and law enforcement to identify, detect, and prosecute insurance criminals.

You can contact the NICB in the following ways:

• Call 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST.
• Report fraud online using the form on their website. All tips can be submitted anonymously if you prefer.

When reporting auto insurance fraud to the NICB, it is helpful to provide as many details as possible. For example, if you were involved in a suspected staged auto accident, you can document your recollection of the accident, including your speed, traffic conditions, the presence of traffic signs or signals, and any notable behavior of the other vehicle before the collision. Additionally, try to gather as much information as possible from the other driver, such as their contact and insurance details.

It is important to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with potential fraudsters. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an insurance agent or representative, and never provide personal information or insurance details to unsolicited callers. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. By reporting auto insurance fraud to organizations like the NICB, you can help protect yourself and others from becoming victims of fraudulent activities.

Report to the state of Florida online or by phone

If you suspect auto insurance fraud in Florida, you can report it directly to the state of Florida online or by phone. The Florida Department of Financial Services has a Criminal Investigations Division, Bureau of Workers' Compensation Fraud, which can be contacted at 800-378-0445 or online at https://first.fldfs.com/.

The Bureau of Insurance Fraud, consisting of two districts and five regions located throughout Florida, investigates alleged acts of insurance fraud not categorized as workers' compensation fraud. This includes vehicle, homeowners, commercial, disability, and life insurance fraud. The bureau has 134 sworn officers and 32 civilian support staff members.

District I is commanded by Major Laquanda Green and is located at 200 N Kentucky Ave, Suite 230, Lakeland, FL 33801. The contact number is (863) 316-6001, and the email address is [email protected].

District II is commanded by Major Rafael Delgado and is located at 1400 West Commercial Bld, Suite 135, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. The contact number is (954) 958-5402, and the email address is [email protected].

Additionally, the Bureau Chief, Chris Welch, can be contacted at 200 East Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0324. The phone number is (850) 413-3115, and the email address is [email protected].

The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) can also be reached at the Tallahassee address, or by calling 850-413-3115, or emailing [email protected].

Contact your insurance company directly

If you suspect auto insurance fraud in Florida, it is important to contact your insurance company directly. They will have the necessary systems in place for reporting fraud and can initiate an investigation. Here are the steps you can take:

First, document as many details as you can about the suspected fraud. This includes any interactions you had with the other driver, the circumstances leading up to the accident, and any behaviour that seemed unusual or suspicious. For example, if the other driver was following you closely before the accident, or if they admitted fault too quickly, make sure to note these details. Additionally, try to gather as much information as possible from the other driver, including their contact and insurance details.

Once you have this information, call your insurance company's fraud hotline or customer service number. You can also visit their website to find out about their specific process for reporting fraud. When you make the report, be sure to provide as much detail as possible to assist in the investigation. If you have any supporting documents or evidence, be sure to submit them as well.

Your insurance company will take your report seriously and will likely have a dedicated team or department that handles fraud cases. They may ask you additional questions to clarify the situation and may want to inspect your vehicle or review repair estimates. Be cooperative and responsive throughout the process.

It is important to report auto insurance fraud directly to your insurance company because they have the necessary resources and expertise to investigate and resolve these matters. They can also help protect you from any financial losses or identity theft that could result from the fraud. By reporting the fraud, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to prevent others from becoming victims.

Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about any interactions with contractors, medical providers, or other drivers, trust your instincts and contact your insurance company directly. They are there to support and guide you through these situations and ensure your protection.

Verify the identity of the agent or representative

When reporting auto insurance fraud in Florida, it is important to verify the identity of the agent or representative involved. Here are some detailed steps to help you through this process:

Firstly, Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides a license verification search on their website. You can use this search tool to verify the registration status of an individual or business by identifying the license type and clicking the appropriate link. The website also provides a glossary of terms to help you understand the different license types. This is a useful starting point to verify the identity of the agent or representative involved in the auto insurance fraud.

Additionally, Florida's Bureau of Insurance Fraud, which operates under the state's Chief Financial Officer, has two districts and five regions located across the state. You can contact their offices directly and provide them with the details of the agent or representative you are trying to verify. They have sworn officers and support staff dedicated to investigating insurance fraud, including auto insurance fraud. Their contact information is publicly available on their website, and they will be able to guide you through the process of reporting fraud and verifying identities.

Moreover, Florida's Division of Insurance Agent and Agency Services (DIAAS) is responsible for licensing and regulating insurance agents and agencies in the state. You can search their website for information on specific agents or agencies to verify their identities. The DIAAS also provides resources and guidelines for consumers to help protect against insurance fraud. They can provide guidance on how to identify and report fraudulent activities, including those perpetrated by agents or representatives.

Remember, when dealing with auto insurance fraud, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible about the individuals or entities involved. This includes names, addresses, contact information, and any other relevant details. By cross-referencing this information with the resources provided by FLHSMV, the Bureau of Insurance Fraud, and the DIAAS, you can work towards verifying the identity of the agent or representative in question.

In summary, reporting auto insurance fraud in Florida involves a thorough process of information gathering and verification. By utilizing the tools and resources provided by the state's official departments and bureaus, you can effectively verify the identity of the agent or representative involved, enabling a more comprehensive and accurate report of the fraudulent activity.

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