GEICO’s Zero Tolerance for Fraud Continues, Leading to the Filing of Another RICO Lawsuit in Florida

Business Wire

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following several lawsuits in Arizona, GEICO has filed another federal lawsuit in Florida alleging an auto glass repair shop submitted fraudulent glass repair bills. GEICO seeks to recover damages under Civil RICO statutes, as well as for fraud.

GEICO alleges that its customers’ signatures were forged on invoices submitted to GEICO for repairs by Shazam Auto Glass, LLC. GEICO also alleges that Shazam Auto Glass, LLC falsified claims information, billed for unnecessary repairs and billed for repairs that were never performed.

GEICO says it intends to file future lawsuits in Florida and around the country in its continuing efforts to protect its customers and the public from fraudulent glass repair operators.

“GEICO is committed to protecting our customers from the negative effect that insurance fraud has on premiums,” said Tara Carthew, assistant vice president of claims in GEICO’s Lakeland, Florida, office. “These incidents of fraud hurt consumers in Florida because they cause premiums to increase, and we continue to pursue them with a zero tolerance.”

Carthew went on to say that GEICO has a long history of seeking out individuals and companies willing to commit fraud.

GEICO filed its case – Government Employees Insurance Company, et al. v. Shazam Auto Glass, LLC, et. al. – in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. GEICO also seeks a declaration that any pending claims are not owed. GEICO is represented by Barry Levy and Max Gershenoff, of Rivkin Radler LLP and John P. Marino, Lindsey R. Trowell and Kristen L, Wenger, of Smith, Gambrel & Russell, LLP.

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 28 million vehicles.

To make changes, report claims, print insurance cards and purchase additional products, policyholders can log into their car insurance policy, connect via GEICO Mobile, phone or by visiting a GEICO local agent.

Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft and life coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available.

Visit www.geico.com for a quote or to learn more.