Gas Fuels Frauds

As gas prices go up, more and more gas guzzling cars, trucks and SUV’s are going too. Some, supposedly by theft. Some, in flames. So far in 2008, New York State Insurance Department investigators have caught 88 insurance scammers in New York City alone. That’s compared to just 77 here in all of 2007. The climbing fraud statistics are reminiscent of those seen in the 1970's when gas prices also rose significantly. Disgusted owners of fuel wasting vehicles believe they can only get a car's "book value" from their insurance carriers. Some are willing to risk arrest trying to fake a crime. Insurance companies are well aware of what goes on in today’s economic climate. Each have special investigative departments for the sole purpose of checking out insured’s claims. They use the latest investigative techniques whenever fraud is suspected ... and it usually is. They can and do deny payment even if there is no arrest of the vehicle’s owner. Borough car owners would be well advised to be satisfied with whatever they get legally for their inefficient vehicles, or simply to drive less. It beats making license plates in prison for someone else’s ride … or being an "inmate’s ride" while you’re in jail.