24 Charged with Trying to Lower Auto Insurance Rates via Interstate Scam

Posted in Auto Insurance

January 18th, 2010

Twenty-four individuals looking to lower their auto insurance premiums were caught in an interstate scam that involved them registering for certificates of title for their vehicles and identifying themselves as Pennsylvania drivers. The drivers who mostly resided in New York and New Jersey were facing charges felonies, including one count of auto insurance fraud and one count of false application.

Committing Fraud Isn’t Worth It

For their crimes, the 24 individuals are facing time in jail and fines that could range from $10,000 to $15,000. Reports also say that the defendants could be facing more charges; however, these have yet to be finalized.

The defendants are guilty of what is known as rate evasion and is against the law. What’s ironic is that the defendants were trying to trim a few hundred from their annual premiums and ended up with the possibility of thousands in fines and the loss of something even more valuable, time with from family and friends while in jail.

Find Other Ways to Lower Your Rates

Before you consider breaking the law by creating false documentation just to save a few bucks on auto insurance, it’s better to think hard about the other ways you could save:

• Discounts - Many auto insurers offer great discounts to their policyholders for their loyalty, good driving record, good grades and more. It’s worth it to investigate what’s out there for you before considering illegal activity.
• Raise Your Deductible - Another quick fix to lowering your premium is raising your deductible. A higher deductible merits a lower premium, which could save a lot in the long run. However, when you take this option, just be sure that have the deductible amount set aside if you need it.

Breaking the law is never a good alternative to finding honest ways to lower your premium. If you feel that you’re stuck in a rut and can’t afford your insurance bill, it’s better to simply shop around for more affordable auto insurance rates first. Of course, you may also consider why lowering your auto insurance is not always the best idea for every individual circumstance.