GEICO’s zero tolerance for fraud leads to filing RICO lawsuit in Florida

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Weekly News -- To prove its point that GEICO has a zero tolerance policy regarding insurance fraud, GEICO last month filed a lawsuit in Florida aimed at five companies and six individuals suspected of submitting fraudulent glass repair bills. The company wants to recover damages under both the Florida Consumer Protection Statues and the Civil RICO statutes. GEICO says the Florida action is also a preview of future lawsuits in other states across the country.

GEICO alleges that its customers' information was taken or used without their knowledge or consent in order to create invoices for non-existent repairs submitted to GEICO. In addition to billing for services not provided, the suit alleges that GEICO was billed for services that had no repair value and were unnecessary.

"We'd like to see legislative reform in this area," said Ryan West, GEICO's vice president of claims. "It's overdue. These incidents of fraud hurt consumers because they cause premiums to increase." West went on to say that GEICO has a long history of seeking out individuals willing to commit fraud. GEICO intends to file future lawsuits to continue making every effort to protect its customers and the public from fraudulent glass repair operators.

GEICO filed its case - Government Employees Insurance Company, et al. v. Jason Fry, et. al. - in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida. GEICO also seeks a declaration that any pending claims are not owed. GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 14 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 23 million vehicles (auto & cycle).

Using GEICO's online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.

For more information, go to www.geico.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160707006312/en/

Keywords for this news article include: GEICO, Legal Issues, Financial Companies, Insurance Companies, Insurance Broker Companies, Government Employees Insurance Company.

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