Watch out for these four auto insurance fraud schemes

Dishonest people always seem to find ways to defraud others. Here are four common schemes and what you can do to help avoid becoming a victim:

1. Counterfeit air bags. If you’re in an accident and an air bag deploys, make sure it’s replaced by a trusted professional. Dishonest repair shops often replace deployed bags with cheap knockoffs, and sometimes don’t replace them at all.
   
   Your defense: Work with a trusted, reputable mechanic. Check out Farmers Circle of Dependability Program.
2. Staged accidents. The most common are:
• Swoop and squat. A vehicle passes you, pulls in front and slams on the brakes, forcing you to hit it.
• Drive down. You’re waiting to turn left, and a driver waves you through the intersection, then proceeds just in time to force a collision.
• Wave down. A person waves to you that it’s safe to pull out of a parking spot or parking lot, and another crashes into you.

Your defense: If you’re involved in an accident, take pictures of all vehicles, all passengers and other drivers. If your cellphone isn’t photo-capable, carry an inexpensive disposable camera for emergencies.
3. Windshield replacement rip-offs. Your windshield has a chip or crack, and a stranger approaches you in a parking lot. He says he’s with a vehicle glass company and offers to install a new windshield for free; all he needs is your insurance information. Do not provide this information! The windshield replacement may be poor quality and with your insurance information, the person may submit false claims, which can increase your premium.
   
   Your defense: Simply say “thanks, but no thanks.” If you need windshield repair, call me and I’ll put you in touch with a trusted vehicle glass company. Or you can check out Farmers Vehicle Glass Repair.
4. Towing scams. You’re stranded at the side of the highway and a tow truck just happens to stop by. What a relief — right? Maybe not. It could be what’s sometimes called a “bandit” tow truck, one that looks for people stranded along certain stretches of road. They offer to help, but afterward they charge heavily-inflated prices for their services, and you end up with an enormous bill.
   
   Your defense: Call a tow truck and wait for it. When it arrives, get a cost estimate and towing destination in writing. Better yet, add roadside assistance to your auto insurance coverage. The cost of adding it is low, and you’re sure to get safe, reliable towing. I can help you add this to your policy.

While you can’t predict or prevent every instance of fraud, you can be prepared. Remember that the more you know about insurance the better you can plan for the unexpected.

For more helpful insurance information or to review a proposal with Farmers, contact The Wertzberger Agency at 913-383-3276.

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/auto-insurance-fraud-schemes-1.aspx