Auto Insurance Fraud in NY Remains at Crisis Levels & the ‘Fraud Tax’ Exceeds $200 Million for second consecutive year, According to Insurance Information Institute

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate responded today to the Insurance Information Institute’s (III) announcement that fraud and abuse in New York State’s no-fault auto insurance system remains at crisis levels. III also revealed the estimated ‘fraud tax’ that New Yorkers paid in 2010 was $204 million—an amount exceeding $200 million for the second consecutive year. The New York StateSenate Insurance Committee is holding a hearing today to examine the issue more closely.

Krista Conte, New York spokesperson for Allstate Insurance Company, said in response to the III announcement:

"We agree with the Insurance Information Institute that the scale of fraud and abuse in New York State's no-fault auto insurance system today has reached crisis levels. Not only is no-fault fraud (auto accident fraud) costing New York consumers and insurers hundreds of millions of dollars, it puts drivers at risk.

"Those who would commit this type of crime are taking advantage of the broken no-fault system and they are organized, calculating and part of a big business. In essence, the perpetrators of this crime are imposing a 'fraud tax' on honest, hard working New Yorkers by gaming the auto insurance system.

"Without the support of lawmakers, incidents of fraud will continue to increase. Responsible citizens are the victims. We urge lawmakers to enact comprehensive, meaningful no-fault insurance reform that puts citizens of New York first."

The Allstate Corporation is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.