From fake thefts to gym workouts after injury claims, investigators are catching more auto fraud cases than ever in one Canadian province
2 hours ago
- Manitoba Public Insurance investigated over 2,600 fraud cases.
- One man claimed injury but was seen lifting weights at the gym.
- A truck driver faked a fire and caused his own serious burns.
Car insurance is only there for when you need it, and it certainly shouldn’t be used to try to make a quick buck. Granted, that expectation cuts both ways, but that’s a conversation for another time. Every year, thousands of people try their luck with fraudulent claims, hoping to score a payout. But insurers don’t take kindly to being misled.
If something smells off, they can track you, surveil you, and not only deny your claim but also demand repayment of any money already paid out.
Read: Your Next Insurance Claim Might Be Denied After A Photo You Took Yourself
New data provided by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) has revealed just how rife auto insurance fraud has been this year across the Canadian province. It says there have been more than 2,600 cases of physical damage and bodily injury claims suspected of fraud, and five of them are particularly egregious.
Gym Workouts and Red Flags
In one case, a motorist was involved in a minor two-vehicle collision but claimed to have suffered injuries so significant that they couldn’t work or even take care of housekeeping duties. Due to the extent of their claimed injuries, they were entitled to receive Income Replacement Benefits and Personal Care Assistance payments.
Suspecting something was amiss, Manitoba Public Insurance’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) launched a probe. Surveillance revealed the claimant hitting the gym regularly and lifting heavy weights. Benefits were promptly cut off.
In another instance, a commercial truck driver suffered significant burns after their truck caught fire. According to the driver, they spent 10 minutes trying to save the vehicle. However, a review of video footage showed the driver had set the truck on fire on purpose and suffered injuries as a result of an unexpected explosion. The claim was denied and roughly $1 million was saved.
From “Stolen” to Dubai
A supposed vehicle theft also drew investigators’ attention. The claimant said their vehicle had been stolen from a parking lot and they were paid $51,657. However, investigators soon found the car in a shipping container bound for Dubai in Ontario.
They discovered the car had been reported stolen after already being in Ontario for several days and found no evidence of forced entry or ignition tampering.
How Not to Hit a Porsche
Staging a collision isn’t exactly a clever move. In one case, two parties made claims after a collision damaged two cars, one of which was a Porsche. But, investigators discovered one of the drivers intentionally rammed into the German luxury car as it began reversing out of the driveway. They also found the occupant in the Porsche only had a Learner’s license and was driving illegally.
In the last case, a claimant said they suffered injuries after a minor collision and were unable to perform certain parts of their job, which required them to transport bulk supplies.
Investigators found the individual frequently running errands and loading up 18-20 cases of beer without assistance, despite claiming they could only lift five pounds. Benefits being paid to the claimant were immediately terminated, and the insurer is attempting to reclaim the $19,000 in benefits already paid.
