Report false insurance claims
False insurance claims made against us drain our time and money from those who really need our support. This page explains what to look for, why we need to stop it and how to report it.
Report suspected fraud if you know that someone is making a false insurance claim against us.
What is insurance fraud?
Insurance fraud is where someone makes a false or exaggerated claim to receive compensation. It can include claims for:
- personal injury
- damage to property and vehicles
- loss of earnings
- damage to clothing
What makes a claim fraudulent?
A claim is fraudulent when the claimant does any of the following:
- makes a false claim
- makes a claim which was fabricated or made to happen
- deliberately exaggerates the value of a claim
- exaggerates injuries or loss
- uses counterfeit or forged documents as evidence in a claim
Why do we need to stop insurance fraud?
Some people believe that insurance fraud is a victimless crime and is therefore okay. This is not the case. Insurance fraud diverts our resources away from where they are needed - providing local services, such as our schools, caring for the elderly and disabled or improving our roads.
It can increase the cost of our insurance, which could lead, longer term, to higher council tax bills.
- In 2017/18 we managed to stop fraudulent claims worth over £256,000.
- Since 2015 have managed to stop over £1million of fraudulent claims.
- Email corporatefraudteam@durham.gov.uk
- Telephone 03000 266 745