Virginia Insurance Fraud Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Definition of Insurance Fraud
In Virginia, insurance fraud can occur in numerous ways. Generally an insurance fraud offense occurs when someone tries to make money from insurance transactions through deception.
Examples of insurance fraud include:
- Worker’s Compensation : An employee claims to have suffered an injury while on the job and either didn’t suffer an injury at all, or received the injury while doing something non-work-related. Employers can also commit worker’s compensation fraud by understating the number of employees or the type of work they do.
- Property Fraud: Someone exaggerates the amount of damage incurred to their home, vehicle or other possession; deliberately damages their possessions for reimbursement by the insurance company; or seeks reimbursement for a lost or stolen item that was neither lost nor stolen.
- Casualty Fraud: Someone fakes or exaggerates an accident or injury to receive money from an insurance company.
Who Enforces and Prosecutes Insurance Fraud Laws?
Virginia state and local prosecutors handle insurance fraud cases under the state's penal code. The Feds can also prosecute insurance fraud under a number of criminal statutes including "mail fraud," "criminal racketeering," or other federal charges.
How do I File a Complaint Against an Insurance Company?
Contact the Virginia State Police for complaints against insurance carriers and discount health plan providers, including suspected insurance fraud.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Virginia's insurance fraud laws.
See also Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Fraud, Fraud and Financial Crimes, and Arson.
| Code Section | |
| What is Prohibited | Knowingly lying about, or concealing, an important fact in connection with a insurance claim or payment made under an insurance policy. Applies to issuing fake insurance policies and rate-fixing. Also includes conspiring to do any of the above. |
| Penalties | Possible criminal penalties including jail time, fines, restitution. Possible civil penalties including fines, revocation of business license, etc. |
| Who Can Be Prosecuted | Consumers, providers (such a doctor and auto repair shop), insurance companies, adjusters and others. |
| Types of Insurance Fraud |
|
Insurance Fraud Detection Reward Program |
Individuals may apply for a reward for any tip that leads to an arrest and conviction. • Mention the reward when reporting suspected insurance fraud. |
| Examples of Insurance Fraud |
|
Enforcement Agency
If you feel you have been victimized by insurance fraud, contact the Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Program, at 1-877-62FRAUD (623-7283).
Because insurance fraud laws can sometimes get complicated, it may also be a good idea to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.
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