How Insurance Fraud Affects Car Insurance Premiums Georgia

Reader’s Question:

Car insurance rates in Georgia have gone up. Has this anything to do with the prevalence of insurance scams?

Camille

Columbus, GA

In Georgia, as in any other state, car insurance companies have become big businesses. This is the reason they are targeted as preys by those wanting to rip off large sums of money. And how does this affect your car insurance premiums? Who do you think ends up footing the bill? Car insurance companies initially pay. But they just raise their policyholders’ premiums to offset for the loss.

It is important to arm yourself with valuable information to avoid falling victim to car insurance scams. It is very important to know your car insurance agent. Most people fall victim to fake insurance brokers. Legitimate brokers always carry with them a certificate of licensure.

Avoid paying cash. Instead pay by money order or check made out directly to the car insurance company. And always ask for your own copy of the policy complete with declarations stating your type of car insurance coverage and its limitations within an acceptable period after purchase.

Aside from fake car insurance brokers, be on your guard for staged accidents. The most common of these is the rear-end accident. A scam driver suddenly slamming on the breaks to cause a rear-end collision is how it’s usually done. Aside from collecting money for vehicle damage, the scam driver may go to the extent of faking injuries to collect even more money for supposed medical treatment.