Tips for Identifying Auto Insurance Scams

Tips for Identifying Auto Insurance Scams

Be informed. If you require the services of a tow truck driver, paralegal or health care provider, know your rights. Here are some tips:

Tow Trucks

• Make sure the tow truck has a municipal licence number on its side before you use its services.

• Look to see if the tow truck is affiliated with a reputable company such as an automotive roadside assistance group or automobile association.

• Ask if the tow truck has a police contract.

• Listen for obvious clues. Does the driver recommend a particular repair facility without being asked? If he/she does, this might be an indication that a referral fee arrangement exists. In Toronto, making such a recommendation may be illegal under the Municipal Code, Chapter 545.

• Carefully read everything the tow truck driver asks you to sign.

• Ask that your vehicle be taken to a secure location where an adjuster or appraiser from your insurance company can have access to it. Some municipalities require that your vehicle be taken to a Collision Reporting Centre or police station before it goes anywhere else.

• Contact your insurance company, if possible, for information on towing and where to take your vehicle to be repaired.

• Consider having your vehicle towed to a preferred vehicle repair shop. Some insurance companies use preferred repair shops where they have an agreement that guarantees your vehicle will be repaired to the highest possible standards. For more information, contact your insurance company.

Paralegals

• The law requires that anyone who acts as an adviser, consultant or representative for no-fault auto accident benefits must meet certain requirements. The requirements include passing a criminal record check, possessing errors and omissions insurance and adhering to a code of conduct. The law applies to paralegals who advise another person about his or her rights to obtain accident benefits; assist in completing claim forms; discuss or negotiate with an insurer or adjuster; attend dispute resolution meetings at FSCO, Small Claims Court or private arbitration; or negotiate the settlement of no-fault accident benefits.

• Watch for red flags like special fees. Paralegals are not permitted to charge you a contingency fee (a percentage of any award that you may obtain).

• Observe the business relationship between the paralegal and health care provider. Paralegals must inform you of any potential conflicts of interest, including if they have an interest in the health care facility to which you have been referred.

• Ask your paralegal to show you proof he or she has errors and omissions insurance coverage. All paralegals are required to carry this coverage.

• Carefully read anything that the paralegal asks you to sign.

• Expect to be treated in a fair and courteous manner.

• Check to see whether a paralegal is authorized with FSCO to act as a paralegal in the auto insurance industry. You may do so through an easy-to-use online service that is available at: www.fsco.gov.on.ca.

Health Care Providers

• Carefully review the itemized treatment plan before you sign it.

• Ensure you are receiving the treatments for which your insurance company is being billed.

• Check the rates. Your health care provider must bill your insurance company at the same rate for treatment they would reasonably charge you if you were paying for the treatment.

You can read complete at www.autoinsurance.gov.on.ca visit now !!