MIAMI (AP) — State officials are urging Florida drivers to watch out for insurance scams, among other road hazards.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater says staged accidents and insurance fraud are causing premiums to rise.
According to the Sun Sentinel, the insurance industry says Florida drivers each pay an additional $50 a year in insurance premiums because of fraudulent personal injury protection-related claims.
On Thursday, Atwater and officials from Allstate Insurance and the Miami-Dade Police Department demonstrated how staged accidents can force rear-end collisions.
Atwater urges drivers to call the state fraud tip hotline, 800-378-0445, to report suspicious activity.
Bills attacking fraudulent personal injury protection insurance claims weren’t approved by the Legislature this year because of concerns about hurting policyholders with legitimate claims, and their attorneys and doctors.
Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel, Associated Press
