New survey reveals staggering number of "exaggerated or falsified" insurance claims
The survey shows that more than a fifth of drivers have "exaggerated or falsified" a car insurance claim or know someone who has.
A new survey undertaken to evaluate the extent of exaggerated or falsified car insurance claims in Ireland has delivered shocking results, highlighting the fact that over 20% of drivers have themselves or know of someone who has tried to mislead car insurance companies.
It was also estimated in the report that these staggering figures of fraud cost the car insurance industry "hundreds of millions" annually, and that they also result in adding an additional €50 to Irish drivers' annual car insurance premiums.
Over 20% of people have either themselves or know some who has exaggerated or falsified insurance claims. (Credit: Getty Images)
When participants were asked if they or someone they knew had exaggerated or falsified an insurance claim for either damage to their car or personal injuries to get a higher pay-out, 3% of people admitted to having done so themselves.
Furthermore, 18% claimed that knew of someone personally who had exaggerated or falsified a claim.
The survey gathered responses from 1,000 people across the country, with 774 of its participants being motorists themselves.
Aviva Insurance's chief claims officer Brian O'Connor responded to the "shocking" results, adding that more needs to be done to prevent cases of insurance fraud in Ireland.
Insurance provider Aviva say that it is motorists themselves who end up footing the bill for insurance fraud. (Credit: Getty Images)
"The headline findings from this survey are truly shocking and underpin the urgent need for harsher penalties on those who are found to have exaggerated or falsified a motor insurance claim".
Mr. O'Connor went on to say that it was motorists themselves rather than the insurance companies who bore the brunt of the financial impact inflicted by insurance fraud.
"The cost of this fraud must be paid for, and it is motorists, including the many honest motorists, who must foot the bill for this in their annual premium", the chief claims officer said.
Of those surveyed, 6% of respondents said that they felt insurance fraud was a "victimless" crime, saying that insurance companies have lots of money and could therefore handle the financial burden.
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