Convictions for fraudulent insurance claims rising in 2024
At the time of writing, nine convictions have been handed down by the Irish Courts for fraudulent insurance claims in the first six months of 2024, up from six convictions for the entirety of 2023, four for 2022 and only a solitary conviction in 2021. This demonstrates a clear upward trend in investigation and successful prosecution of fraudulent claims, partially because of a more robust attitude taken by insurers, and partially because of the new Garda Insurance Fraud Coordination Office.
Aviva Insurance has also disclosed that it is also seeing a marked increase in last minute withdrawals by claimants, with Aviva saying that it has already seen 41 withdrawals in the first half of this year, compared to 34 in 2023.
La Touche Training has extensive experience in working with the insurance industry in training its Special Investigation Units in investigative and court room skills, ensuring that evidence collected by investigators is of sufficient probative value, and that the investigator has the skills to present their evidence in a persuasive and effective manner to a court.
We also provide training in investigative skills to businesses and organisations who wish to carry out their own internal investigations of incidents and accidents. An organisation’s own investigator is normally on the scene before the insurer can send its own person out, and the initial findings and scene preservation by the internal investigator is usually vital in assisting in defending any claim.
Our courses train investigators in evidence gathering, how to preserve a scene, take photographs and measurements, identify and interview witnesses, harvest CCTV, and identify vital internal records such as Health and Safety and training documents. Our training helps investigators properly compile and report their findings so that the organisation understands fully understand the potential case before them, and empower them in those regrettable situations where a claimant decides to deceive or exaggerate.
For further information please visit our suite of courses below or contact us directly.
Best Practice in Accident Investigations
Advanced Accident Investigations
Investigative Decision Making Skills for Experienced Professionals
Thank you to Alex Nichol for writing this article.
Alex Nichol, Solicitor, BCL, LLM, Dip Corp.
La Touche Training: program developer and trainer.
