Welcome to the Division of
Insurance Fraud

Serving and safeguarding the public and businesses operating in the
State of Florida against acts of insurance fraud.

Recent News

May 18, 2012. The latest edition of The PIP Source is now ready! Read More

April 13, 2012. The Division of Insurance Fraud Command Staff recently gathered in Orlando to participate in a leadership conference. Click Here to Enlarge Image

March 20, 2012. Congratulations to 2011 SLECA Officer of the Year, Det. Henry "Tommy" Clark. Read More

Click Here for More News

About the Division

Established by the legislature in 1976, the Division of Insurance Fraud is the law enforcement arm of the Department of Financial Services and is responsible for investigating insurance fraud; crimes associated with personal injury protection (PIP) insurance fraud, insurance premium fraud, workers' compensation claim fraud, workers' compensation premium avoidance and diversions, insurer insolvency fraud, unauthorized entity fraud and insurance agent crimes.

Florida's Division of Insurance Fraud continues to lead the fight against insurance fraud. As April 2012 came to an end, DIF secured over $28 million dollars in court-ordered restitution; made 628 convictions; and made 953 arrests compared to 997 total arrests last fiscal year (keeping in mind DIF’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30). This Division is on track to exceed last year's arrest numbers.

DIF's Highlights Through Mid-May 2012:

• Through mid-May of the fiscal year, the Division has made over 1,050 insurance fraud arrest. This is the most that the Division has ever made in a year.
• For the first time in the history of the Division, for three consecutive months, the Division has recorded over 100 arrests each month
• 147 arrests in March closes a record-setting quarter during 2012
• 176 arrests logged in April (the highest number of arrests made during a one-month period in DIF's history)
• Through mid-May, the Division has mad over 450 PIP arrests. This is an increase over the 353 made for the entire previous year.
• At least 50 clinics have been closed as a result of law enforcement investigations
• Over $41 million dollars in court ordered restitution from the 664 convictions received thus far

The Division has responded to many thousands of suspected insurance fraud, almost half of which were referrals of PIP fraud; as of February 2012, these referrals representing a 20 percent increase over the last previous fiscal year. Since taking office, CFO Atwater has made it a top priority to fight this insidious fraud. He believes it to be one of the biggest cost drivers for escalating auto insurance rates that are increasingly burdening Florida's consumers and families.

Insurance Fraud is not a victimless crime. It is estimated that insurance fraud costs the US $80 billion dollars or more a year. Those costs get passed down to consumers. The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) estimates that cost to be approximately $950 per family. Reporting insurance fraud is easy and just a click away.

Top 5 DIF Referral (Tip) Types - 3rd Quarter - Fiscal Year 11/12

REPORT WORKERS' COMPENSATION FRUAD - DFS FRAUD HOTLINE
1-800-378-0445 OR WWW.MYFLORIDACFO.COM/FRAUD

What is Insurance Fraud?

Any action taken by an individual with the intent to fraudulently obtain payment from an insurer is considered insurance fraud.

Insurance Consumer Tips

Use Caution!

• When receiving phone calls after an accident. It could be someone trying to involve you in a fraud scheme.
• If a life insurance sales pitch comes at a time when there is no apparent need to change insurance coverage, such as a marriage, a new child, or similar life change.
• If an agent offers to replace your old life insurance policy, which has a high cash value, with a new better one. Carefully review the premium schedule, benefits and restrictions on benefits, such as pre-existing conditions

Always!

• Make sure you receive a written policy within sixty (60) days after you have paid your first premium.
• Compare prices and options before purchasing insurance, especially if a price being offered is substantially lower than others.
• Make sure you receive and review your detailed billings for all services.
• When buying or renewing insurance coverage, check with the Office of Insurance Regulation to make sure you are dealing with a licensed agent and a licensed insurance company.
• Protect your insurance identification numbers as you would a credit card number.

Never!

• Write a premium check to an agent. Checks should be written to the insurance company or insurance agency.
• Never sign blank insurance forms.