Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud is a unique offense because it usually involves what appears to be non-violent, harmless crimes by people who aren’t usually considered “criminals.” Nevertheless, the penalties for committing insurance fraud are serious and can result in jail time, fines, risk of job loss, etc. Whether it is a misunderstanding or a one-time mistake, call me today to preserve your rights and get the possible results for our case.

Offenses

The Michigan Penal Code identifies several actions that are considered insurance fraud, but the most common charges ZAYID LAW deals with are false statements made by an insurance policyholder to his or her insurer. Contact me today to fight your insurance fraud charges.

False Statement on an Insurance Application

Knowingly making a false statement of material fact—oral or written—in an application for insurance to an agent or insurer with the intent to deceive or defraud. You may be punished for assisting or conspiring with another to make false statements of material fact in an insurance application.

  • you cannot falsely represent you live at one address when you really live at another address, just to save money.

MPC 500.4503

False Statement in an Insurance Claim

Knowingly making a false statement of material fact – oral or written – in a claim for payment of an insurance benefit with the intent to deceive or defraud. You may be punished for assisting or conspiring with another to make false statements of material fact in an insurance claim.

Material facts are critically important for insurance companies to determine whether to accept or reject your claim.

  • If you left your car unlocked, it was would be a false statement of material fact to claim someone forcibly broke into your car.

MPC 500.4503

Penalties

In Michigan, insurance fraud is a felony, punishable by up to four years in jail and up to $50,000 in fines.

  • Conspiracy to Commit Insurance Fraud: People who conspire, plan or agree to commit insurance fraud may face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and fine up to $50,000.
  • Restitution: In addition to the fines and jail time, people who commit insurance fraud may be responsible for paying back the victims under the laws of criminal restitution.

MPC 500.4511

Zayid Law's Defense to Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud may seem like a harmless crime until you understand the penalties that come with a conviction. It is important to hire an attorney who knows what is at stake and can inform you of your rights, options and defenses in order to get the best results possible. ZAYID LAW has experience with the following defenses in insurance fraud cases:

  • Suppression of Evidence: If evidence was obtained without a warrant, with an invalid warrant, or through an improper search, it may be suppressed, or not allowed to be introduced at trial.
  • Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Insurance fraud cases can sometimes be explained by miscommunications or misunderstandings, which mitigate the prosecution’s ability to prove intent to defraud – a critical element for the prosecution’s burden of proof.

If you have been accused or charged with insurance fraud, contact me as soon as possible to preserve your rights, build a winning defense strategy, and obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Call me today for a free initial consultation.