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Insurance brokers and agents are the trusted and expert face of auto insurance. From breaking down the fine print in documents to providing helpful advice, they are on the frontline when it comes to providing clients with must-have information. This article is a resource for brokers and agents to share with their clients and communities to prevent drivers from becoming a victim of auto insurance fraud.

Every vehicle manufactured in Canada has a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) that can be used to track recalls, insurance registration and the history of the respective vehicle.

Accident benefits fraud is known as a ‘gateway fraud’; it is an entry point for deeply complex and sophisticated financial organized crime networks, and includes synthetic identify fraud, healthcare fraud, and more. These networks are trying to maximize insurance payouts and drain your policy by fraudulently billing for unnecessary assessments or overbilling for procedures not provided to the injured individual.

Insurance crime has real and devastating consequences for those affected by it. Insurance was created to provide a foundation of security, and insurance crime fundamentally undermines this system, compromising our safety and security.

Fraud always has a victim, and criminals typically target those who are the most vulnerable. Accident benefits fraud is known as a ‘gateway fraud’, because is the entry point for deeply complex and sophisticated organized fraud networks, including synthetic identify fraud, healthcare fraud and more.

A ghost broker is someone who pretends to be a legitimate insurance broker or agent but is in actuality selling fake insurance policies.

In the frigid winter months, drivers may be tempted to pre-warm their vehicles by starting it, then returning to their residence to continue getting ready for the day, which are ideal conditions for vehicle thefts. When these vehicles are stolen, deemed “warm-up thefts”, they are often crimes of opportunity and can happen in a matter of seconds.

Known as a “crash for cash” scam, a staged collision is insurance fraud that puts innocent drivers, and their passengers, at physical and emotional risk of harm. After staging a collision, criminals will seek to maximize profits from their scheme in many ways including creating multiple insurance claims for exaggerated personal injury claims, towing/storage, and unnecessary body shop work. This focus on financial gain, excludes consideration for the pain and suffering that these scams can cause innocent drivers and bystanders.

In today’s landscape where insurance crime has never been more complex, Canadian P&C insurers are doing more than ever to protect consumers through their strategic partnership with Équité. Accident benefits fraud is known as a ‘gateway fraud’; it is an entry point for deeply complex and sophisticated organized crime networks, including healthcare fraud, synthetic identify fraud, and more.

Whether traveling locally or abroad, a rental vehicle can be an essential part of travel plans. However, a stolen rental can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. A few small proactive steps can help mitigate rental vehicle break-ins and thefts.