Most bogus claims are motor-related

Two-thirds of suspected fraudulent insurance claims reported to an industry hotline relate to motor insurance, the Irish Insurance…

Two-thirds of suspected fraudulent insurance claims reported to an industry hotline relate to motor insurance, the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) said yesterday. Laura Slattery reports.

A total of 2,368 cases of suspected fraud have been reported by the IIF's Insurance Confidential number on 1890 333 333 since the phoneline was first set up in February 2003.

Some 67 per cent of the cases related to injuries and damage sustained in motor accidents.

Over a fifth - 22 per cent - related to other personal injuries, for which compensation was being claimed under employers' and public liability insurance policies. Insurance fraud costs the industry an estimated €100 million per annum.

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The IIF recently revealed that over 100 cases of suspected insurance fraud have been referred by insurers to the Garda Bureau of Investigation.

The insurance industry body is now launching a new phase of its public awareness campaign to tackle fraud.

Anti-fraud provisions in the Civil Liability and Courts Act mean that anyone found guilty of insurance fraud can be fined up to €100,000 and be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.