How do I report an insurance scam or fraudulent insurer?
Report to your state insurance commissioner (US) or the FCA (UK). For organised insurance fraud such as crash-for-cash, also report to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (UK) or the FBI (US).
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Insurance scams take many forms: unlicensed insurers who collect premiums but never pay claims, staged accidents designed to generate fraudulent claims, ghost brokers who sell fake policies, and claims inflation by third-party repair shops or medical providers. Each type has different reporting channels.
In the US, every state has an insurance commissioner who regulates insurers and investigates fraud. Find yours at naic.org. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) at nicb.org accepts reports of vehicle insurance fraud and staged accidents. The FBI IC3 handles internet-facilitated insurance fraud.
In the UK, report ghost brokers (who sell fake policies) and unlicensed insurers to the FCA at fca.org.uk. Report staged accidents and claims fraud to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) at cheatline.org.uk (0800 422 0421). Your own insurer has a fraud team and should be the first call if you suspect fraud in your own claim or an opponent's claim.
For concerns that your own insurance company is unfairly denying legitimate claims or acting in bad faith, file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner (US) or the Financial Ombudsman Service (UK). Document all communications with your insurer thoroughly before escalating.
Common red flags
- An insurer was not listed on the FCA register or state insurance department database
- A broker provided a certificate of insurance but could not show the underlying policy
- Premium costs were significantly below comparable market rates
- A vehicle was deliberately stopped in front of you and occupants immediately complained of injury
- A repair shop or medical provider encouraged you to claim for work not actually done
- Your claim was denied with vague reasoning and no detailed explanation
What to do now
- Report to your state insurance commissioner or the FCA
- Report staged accidents to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (UK) or NICB (US)
- File with the FBI IC3 if internet or wire fraud was involved
- Escalate denied claims to the Financial Ombudsman (UK) or state commissioner (US)
- Keep all policy documents, correspondence, and claim records
- Read /scams/insurance-scams for how ghost brokers and staged accidents work
Frequently asked questions
Is it fraud if I exaggerate a legitimate insurance claim?
Yes. Inflating a genuine claim is insurance fraud in all jurisdictions. It can result in your policy being voided, prosecution, and a fraud marker on your record. Always claim honestly.
What is a ghost broker?
A ghost broker is an unlicensed person who sells fake or artificially manipulated insurance policies, often at cut prices. The policy appears valid but is worthless when you need to claim. Verify any broker is FCA-registered (UK) or state-licensed (US) before purchasing.