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Hail Damage, Auto Glass, and Staged Accidents Raise Suspicions

DES PLAINES, Ill.—The National Insurance Crime Bureau released its first half 2010 questionable claims (QC)

referral reason analysis. The report examines six referral reason categories of claims — property, casualty, commercial, workers’ compensation, vehicle, and miscellaneous.

Overall there was a 14 percent increase in QCs in four of the six categories in 2010 when compared to the first half of 2009. These are claims that NICB member insurance companies refer to NICB for closer review and investigation based on one or more indicators of possible fraud. A single claim may contain up to seven referral reasons.

The full report is available at www.nicb.org//File%20Li- brary/Marketing/1st_Half_2010_QC_Analysis.pdf.

Of note were both the 107 percent increase in questionable hail damage claims and the 527 percent increase in questionable auto glass claims so far this year when compared to the first half of 2009. This release reflects findings previously published in an NICB “ForeCAST” report of hail loss claims.

Among the conclusions of the previous report is that hail continued on page 19

Tropical Storm Bonnie Dissipates—

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In This Issue

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WASHINGTON—Tropical Storm Bonnie served as another reminder that Congress needs to address the vital need for a long-term solution for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).

SALUTE TO INDEPENDENT AGENTS & CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES

SELLING STRATEGIES:

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Coast Watch

“Tropical Storm Bonnie serves as a reminder that coastal residents need to remain vigilant during hurricane season and make safety preparations before severe weather is imminent,” said Ben McKay, senior vice president of federal government relations for PCI. “Congress must also heed this storm warning and refocus on the vital need for a long-term reauthorization for the flood insurance program.”

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