Combating Insurance Fraud: Our Mission
Insurance fraud imposes a significant cost on our state and its consumers. The impact becomes clear when considering the losses we prevent and the fines and restitution ordered by our courts. As peace officers, we enforce laws related to insurance fraud, conducting criminal investigations, making arrests, and submitting cases to prosecutors.
Our work involves collaboration with regulators, insurance companies, and law enforcement partners to investigate various fraud schemes. These include staged car crashes, fake injury claims, and medical fraud. On average, we receive over 200 referrals and tips monthly from:
- The public
- Law enforcement agencies
- The National Insurance Crime Bureau and its member companies
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- OIC staff
We initiate multiple criminal investigations annually, often resulting in felony convictions and the recovery or prevention of financial losses. For specific case details, you can search our news releases. Additionally, you can subscribe to receive insurance fraud news updates via email or text.
Reporting to the Legislature
As mandated by RCW 48.135.100, we regularly submit a report to the Legislature detailing our activities. This report includes recommendations from the insurance fraud advisory board, cases referred for prosecution, convictions secured, and the amount of money recovered. You can access our 2023 CIU Periodic Report to the Legislature here (PDF 3.74MB).
Anti-Fraud Outreach and Education
A key part of our mission is to deter fraud by educating consumers on how to recognize and prevent it. Our director frequently speaks at events to raise awareness about insurance fraud. We develop presentations for various groups, including civic organizations, chambers of commerce, and insurance industry members. We also conduct presentations for public and private organizations, law enforcement agencies, fire investigators, and government bodies. If you’re interested in having a CIU representative speak at your event, feel free to extend an invitation.
