What is insurance fraud?
While concealing the truth or telling a white lie might not seem like a big deal, it is when it comes to your insurance. This is because omitting facts and telling lies both constitute insurance fraud. But what exactly is insurance fraud and why is it so bad? Here’s what you need to know.
- What is Insurance Fraud?
In general terms, insurance fraud is lying to an insurance company in an attempt to receive compensation or undeserved benefits. Insurance fraud can take different forms. For instance, lying on your insurance application, exaggerating your damages during an insurance claim, or making a fake claim are all instances of fraud. Oftentimes, people commit insurance fraud in an attempt to gain financial benefits.
- Understanding the Different Types of Fraud
Legally, there are two main types of fraud: hard fraud and soft fraud. A person committing hard fraud might fake an injury, theft, or accident and file a fake claim with their insurer in hopes of receiving compensation. Soft fraud is like a smaller scale version of hard fraud. A person committing soft fraud might have a legitimate insurance claim, but they exaggerate their damages in the hopes of receiving additional monetary compensation. While soft fraud doesn’t seem as bad as hard fraud, it’s important to understand that it is still highly illegal and punishable by various penalties.
- Consequences of Insurance Fraud
If you are caught committing insurance fraud, then the penalties can be very severe. While soft fraud is considered a misdemeanor in many states, it is still punishable by fines, probation, community service, and even imprisonment. Hard fraud is always considered a felony, and the perpetrator can be charged with over a year of jail time, major fines, and restitution payable to the insurance company.
This is what you need to know about insurance fraud and why you should avoid it. Do you have further questions regarding your insurance? If so, then contact the team at Pierce Insurance Group. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.