Insurance fraud: The growing threat and the tech solutions fighting back

Fraud has been a hot-button issue across all facets of the transportation industry over the past several years, and the insurance sector is no exception. There has been an alarming rise in fraudulent and frivolous insurance claims, according to Demotech President Joseph Petrelli.

“Opportunistic plaintiff firms and adjusters are embedding themselves in these sectors, targeting insurance companies with increasingly sophisticated strategies,” Petrelli said.

Bad actors are drawn to the industry because of its ubiquitous nature and high insurance payouts, making trucking companies and their insurers prime targets. The impact of these schemes extends beyond financial losses; they disrupt operations, increase premiums and strain relationships between insurers and their clients.

Identifying the threat

Demotech, known for its pioneering work in rating smaller insurance companies, initiated a research project in March 2022 to uncover the scale and tactics of fraudulent activity. According to Petrelli, the company’s findings revealed alarming trends, such as the proliferation of online platforms encouraging lawsuits against trucking companies and insurers.

Demotech works to protect its carriers by utilizing 4Warn, a cutting-edge solution designed to track and analyze potential threats. Using 4Warn, companies can identify plaintiff attorneys targeting their business, monitor the language used in lawsuits and even gauge how much these firms are spending to fuel their campaigns. This level of insight empowers insurers to anticipate and counteract fraudulent claims before they escalate.

While the transportation industry is often a target of these tactics, the overall trend toward excessive litigation transcends the boundaries of any one industry.

Petrelli also cited the recent rise of websites urging claimants to sue their insurance companies over incidents like the recent Los Angeles fire outbreak. These platforms not only exploit genuine tragedies but also create an open door for frivolous claims. 

Leveraging technology to combat fraud

While the scale of the fraud crisis is daunting, industry leaders like TIE are adopting innovative technologies to stay ahead.

Steven Munro, managing partner at TIE, emphasized the importance of connectivity in preventing fraud. This push for greater collaboration between trucking companies and insurance companies comes at a time when transparency is being championed across the industry as a whole.

Once known for their rugged individualism, companies across the transportation industry are seeing the value in banding together in the digital age. This is especially true when it comes to addressing fraud.

“The more connected we can be with our insurers, the better we can monitor, manage and assist,” Munro said.

A critical strategy involves integrating high-tech solutions, like cameras, into fleet operations. 

“With ELD connections and cameras, insurance claims can be reported in as little as 10 minutes automatically, and video evidence can be reviewed almost instantly,” Munro said.

This rapid response capability not only deters fraudsters but also streamlines legitimate claims, fostering a sense of trust between insurers and their clients.

A call to action

The rise in insurance fraud underscores the need for a proactive approach. Industry leaders must embrace technology, enhance collaboration and stay vigilant against emerging threats. 

By investing in the right technologies and fostering stronger connections between insurers and policyholders, the transportation and supply chain sectors can protect themselves from opportunistic attacks. Moreover, initiatives like Demotech’s research project serve as a vital resource in understanding and combating these challenges.

As the landscape evolves, staying ahead requires not only innovation but also a shared commitment to safeguarding the industry’s integrity.

Click here to learn more about TIE. 

Click here to learn more about Demotech.

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