In 2008, a total of 74,146 QCs were referred to NICB from its member insurance companies compared with 91,797 received in 2010—a 24 percent increase. In 2009, a total of 84,407 QCs were referred. The difference between 2009 and 2010 was an increase of 8.7 percent. Questionable claims are those claims that NICB member insurance companies refer to NICB for closer review and investigation based on one or more indicators of possible fraud.
A single claim may contain up to seven referral reasons.
Vehicle QC analysis identified auto glass fraud and inflated towing/storage bills as the top two referral reasons in 2010 garnering increases of 450 percent and 116 percent, respectively, over their 2009 numbers.
“Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. “It affects all consumers who buy insurance because the money lost to fraud is recovered, in part, through higher premiums. NICB, its member companies and law enforcement across the nation are working to reduce this criminal activity and I urge all Americans to help us help them. Don’t tolerate fraud. If you suspect it, report it.”