Avoiding insurance scams and protecting your information

Fraud schemes target drivers and policyholders. These simple steps help you reduce risk and respond if something goes wrong.

Common scams to watch for

• Ghost brokers: Fraudulent agents selling fake policies or unauthorized coverage.
• Staged accidents: Collisions intentionally orchestrated to generate claims.
• Rental and repair cons: Shops or vendors inflating repairs or billing for unperformed work.

Protect your information

• Share personal information only with verified insurers and agents; confirm company contact details independently.
• Use secure payment methods and monitor your bank and card statements for unexpected charges.
• Keep digital copies of key documents and use strong, unique passwords for insurance portals.

If you suspect fraud

Report suspected fraud to your insurer and to the state's insurance fraud investigation unit. Preserve documents and communications, and consider filing a police report for serious schemes.

Final advice

Work with licensed agents, read your policy carefully, and ask for company and agent credentials if anything feels off. A few minutes of verification can prevent a lot of trouble.