By Gina Jordan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-953930.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A fraud epidemic is hitting Florida drivers with costly premiums, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. Gina Jordan tells us the group is out with recommendations they hope the Legislature will consider during the session that begins next month.
William Stander says the state continues to have the most staged accidents in the country.
"Four of the 10 U-S cities with the highest rates of questionable claims are Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Hialeah."
Stander is the Insurers Association's regional manager for the state. He says business groups like the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida are backing legal reforms and a new website that presents actual cases of abuse.
"Insurance fraud uncovered dot com will expose Florida's real life cases of fraud
while starting the conversation to find solutions to Florida's PIP problem."
They've come up with half a dozen suggested reforms. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater also wants to see no-fault insurance regulations corrected. He's recommending that lawmakers strengthen billing practices, tighten requirements for clinic ownership and create civil penalties that would help fund additional anti-fraud efforts.