Automobile Insurance Fraud

The Insurance Fraud Unit handles workers' compensation fraud, automobile insurance fraud and organized automobile fraud cases. We have a team of highly motivated attorneys, investigators and clerical support staff that are dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of these types of fraud crimes.

We want to hear from you

If you or someone you know suspects any of the fraudulent activities mentioned below, or if you are suspicious of certain activity and merely need to ask whether it is fraud, please contact us at:

HOTLINE: (916) 874-4698
OR
Insurance Fraud
906 G Street, Suite 610
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 874-8903 FAX (916) 874-9054
InsFraud.DA@saccounty.net

COMPLAINT FORM
(To file a complaint, please click on “COMPLAINT FORM.” Fill out
form and then e-mail, fax, or mail to our office.)
 

Overview

The insurance industry estimates that auto fraud scams cost consumers anywhere from $15 billion to $20 billion annually. The Insurance Research Council estimates that, nationwide, one-third of all bodily injury claims for auto accidents contain some fraud. The majority of this figure stems from the padding or exaggeration of injuries, but the reality is that the opportunity to cheat the system is taken advantage of by not only the claimant, but by doctors and lawyers as well. Automobile insurance fraud takes many forms, such as:

Organized Automobile Fraud (Interdiction Program)

This program has brought together different law enforcement agencies to help in the fight against organized automobile fraud. District Attorney offices, the Department of Insurance, the California Highway Patrol, the U.S. Postal Inspector's office, the Bureau of Automotive Repair, local law enforcement, plus local and state arson investigators have joined together with special investigations units of insurance carriers to put a stop to automobile insurance fraud perpetrators.

This type of fraud includes the individual(s) who dishonestly increases the extent of damage or bodily injury that has occurred in an auto accident, or who arranges for the theft and destruction of his or her vehicle, as well as the complex and sophisticated rings of individuals who stage phony accidents for the sole purpose of filing false insurance claims.

Other types of individuals who fall under the umbrella of this type of fraud are medical providers, such as physicians and chiropractors, who render treatment to allegedly injured persons and inflate the amounts of their bills, some of which may be for nonexistent patients or treatments. Additionally, organized automobile insurance fraud encompasses the attorneys who provide kickbacks for personal injury or property damage client referrals, with the knowledge that the claims are fraudulent. 

Related Contacts

Department of Insurance Fraud Division
(916) 854-5700

Department of Insurance Suspected Fraudulent Claims Forms

National Insurance Crime Bureau