Auto insurance frauds are not new in Malaysia and are surprisingly rampant. It ranges from misrepresenting facts on insurance applications and inflating insurance claims to staging accidents and submitting claim forms for injuries or damage that never occurred, to false reports of stolen vehicles.
What is insurance fraud?
Insurance fraud is any act committed with the intent to obtain a fraudulent outcome from an insurance process. This may occur when a claimant attempts to obtain some benefit or advantage to which they are not otherwise entitled, or when an insurer knowingly denies some benefit that is due.
The essential components of insurance fraud include the intention to deceive and the desire to induce insurance companies to pay more than they otherwise would.
Common car insurance fraud scams
Fraud cases can be difficult to spot. Here are several common cases that you need to look out for:
Tow truck scam
A tow truck is the most infamous road scam in Malaysia and surprisingly rampant as well.
Based on common tactics that were used, the road will be spread with oil, and metal nails on the road while waiting for potential victims.
These tow truck scammers usually will immediately show up after the accident happened as if they have already foreseen this accident is going to happen. They would pressure you to accept their towing service. They may offer to provide towing services at a ridiculous price that can cost RM2,000 to RM5,000
In such a situation, you may reject the offer and let them know that you would use the towing service provided by your car insurance company. Take photo evidence of the road (oil slick, scattered metal nails) and jot down the tow truck’s number plate. Lodge a police report. At the same time, call your insurance company as soon as an accident happens.
Staged accidents
A staged or fake accident is when drivers maneuver unsuspecting motorists into crashes. It is most probably the easiest insurance fraud mechanism that can be involved without knowing so. This can happen while you are driving, reversing, or parking your car.
Example: The scammer’s car suddenly appears behind you while you reverse to make it look as if you crashed their car. When you go through the ‘damages’, your car barely has any dents or scratches while the scammer’s car appears to be in a bad condition.
This will point at you as the party at fault because you did not see them ‘park behind your car’. The scammers will blame you and demand you pay for the damages through an insurance policy.
*Note: You could consider investing in a dashboard camera and rearview camera to be placed in your car. It allows you to monitor your car’s surroundings at all times during your absence.
Emergency brake scam
An emergency brake scam is where the scammer will purposely speed up their car and then slam on their brakes multiple times until you hit the back of their car. In such a situation, the scammer will put the blame on you as if you tailgate them and hit them from the back.
*Note: In most cases, whoever runs a car from the back will always be at fault. However, you may not be entirely at fault for the collision if you have witnesses or proof of what happened!)
Please make sure that you keep a safe distance if you notice the car in front of you keeps on hitting on its brake. If they continue to harass you, do not speed up. Instead, go to the nearest police station for help.
Overstating the claim amount
It is an exaggerated amount when the insured dishonestly says that the value of goods stolen or damaged is greater than their true value. Say if they get involved in a car accident, they may take the opportunity to incorporate damage costs that are not from the accident.
Example: Say if you get involved in an accident and have your car sent to a workshop for repair. The damages warrant compensation of RM1,500 but you exaggerate the amount to RM2,000 in your insurance claim. That is called overstating the claim amount.
Be upfront with the amount of your claim. Please note that your dishonesty in providing information may lead to your claim being rejected.
Beware of potential insurance frauds
These are among the common car insurance frauds that are often committed in Malaysia.
If you come across these situations or suspect any individuals in an attempt to commit any sort of insurance fraud, report your suspicions to Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) at 1-300-22-11-88.
We hope this information can help you to watch out for them, and most importantly, not become a victim. We certainly hope you do not have to experience such fraud cases in the future. But as a friendly reminder, it is wise for you to be protected at all times by ensuring your auto insurance is active at all times in case any untoward accident happens to you.
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