Who is to Blame for Rising Fraudulent Claims?

With increasing media coverage highlighting attempted fraudulent or exaggerated personal injury claims, this research sought to determine public opinion on who is believed to be responsible for this.

• It was found that 80% of respondents find those making the false or exaggerated claims to be at fault
• 51% lay blame with the legal sector
• Less than half (43%) citing the insurance sector as a cause in the rise of fraudulent personal injury claims

Roughly three out of four people believe that too many personal injury claims have been awarded compensation in recent years.

• 74% believing that those filing exaggerated or fraudulent claims are taking advantage of the current system
• Over two thirds (69%) believe that victims of personal injury are entitled to compensation, but the amount awarded or settled, is usually too high

A large majority of respondents (80%) believe that the claimants themselves are to blame for the rise in the number of fraudulent or exaggerated claims.

• One third (33%) would suspect the other party of overstating their claim in the event of an accident
• This could be considered problematic, as almost two thirds (62%) of Irish people do not know how to properly report a suspected case of insurance fraud

Fear of Being a Victim of Insurance Fraud

With current claim culture, over half (52%) of Irish people are worried about being a victim of insurance fraud. Almost half (49%) of those who participated in the study now make sure to keep their walkways clear and free of obstructions, in order to avoid facing personal injury claims. When questioned on their own attitudes toward making a claim, one in twenty (5%) people reported that they would be tempted to overstate or exaggerate a claim.  The research also identified that 85% of respondents are aware that exaggerating an insurance claim is considered insurance fraud.

Individuals are not the only targets of insurance fraud, businesses are also often targeted. With regards to personal injury claims against businesses, a majority of people (83%) reported to have never personally heard of a business that had successfully defended themselves against a fraudulent claim.

“The public is now taking an increasingly dim view of anyone attempting insurance fraud,” said Sean McGrath, CEO, Allianz Ireland (pictured). “It is encouraging to see Irish consumers understand that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime, and Allianz is committed to protecting its customers against cases of attempted fraud.”