Based on statistics published by the Federal Trade Commission, Florida has by far the highest insurance fraud rate in the U.S., accounting for 1/3 of all insurance fraud cases in the country. Florida’s insurance fraud rate for 2019 was 1,002/100,000 residents; moreover, Miami and Broward area had the most cases in the state.

The insurance fraud does not just include auto, but all types of insurance markets such as medical, homeowner, commercial, life and many other types. Fraud does not have to be blatant for it to be insurance fraud. Acts like having a doctor “find a way to get something covered”, “tipping” an appraiser sending a gift basket to an agent are all forms of fraud that can result in imprisonment. Many of these and other actual fraud scenarios are listed on the Fraud-Free Florida website.

Doing our part as residents and citizens can help lower this rate and possibly remove the black eye profile of insurance fraud capital. Reporting perceived Florida fraud activity to the authorities can be done anonymously by calling (800) MY-FL-CFO. Outside of the state of Florida, you can call local authorities or your state’s department of insurance. I urge everyone to do their part. Doing so, can help to lower premiums as it will assist in lowering the risk and therefore overall premiums in your area. Florida alone accounted for $84,000,000 in fraud in 2019.