The Isle of Wight Council has welcomed the introduction of a new national fraud hotline designed to tackle the issue of fraudulent insurance claims.

The new ‘Insurance Fraudline’ allows local people to report anyone they suspect is making false insurance claims against the council.

The council is keen to make sure all claims made are genuine and honest and not embellished to try and seek a higher payment than that due. Although the Isle of Wight Council has a comprehensive insurance policy, it nevertheless has to pay an excess on all claims met, meaning fraudulent claims are wasting tax payers money which could be used to fund other services.

Last year over 200 claims were made against the council. Although the vast majority of claims are fair and genuine, the council does receive false claims from people claiming to have ‘tripped’ or received excessive damage to their vehicles from potholes. It is this minority of cases which is causing insurance excesses to rise and valuable funds to be diverted away from other worthwhile projects.

The 24-hour confidential ‘Insurance Fraudline’ – 0800 328 9270 – compliments the existing ‘Benefits Hotline’, sending a clear message that the authority will not tolerate any form of fraud. Many local authorities have subscribed to the national service that is endorsed by leading public sector insurers.

Information about false and exaggerated claims will be reported to the police if sufficient evidence is found.

The council already takes measures to weed out false claims as an internal team carries out investigations into claims before they are passed to insurers and the Fraudline is a welcome additional tool in the fight against fraudsters.

Rod Warne, Isle of Wight Council Senior Risk Management and Insurance Officer said:

“Fraudulent claims drain substantial funds from the public purse and it is unfair for honest taxpayers to subsidise those who choose to defraud the system. The council already has a robust investigations team in place but we are hoping the new free Fraudline will encourage people to report those breaking the law.”

Details of the Fraudline 0800 328 9270 and warnings against making embellished claims will be displayed on posters at public buildings across the Island.