What happens with an insurance claim can have major impacts on a person’s life. This could leave a person filing a claim tempted to massage the truth to help ensure the claim will be approved. However, it is critical to avoid this temptation and be truthful with insurers when it comes to claims. Being accused of lying in connection to an insurance claim could expose a person to many things. This includes serious criminal charges.
Under Florida law, knowingly making, preparing or presenting a false statement (written or oral) on a material matter related to an insurance claim with the intent of deceiving, defrauding or injuring an insurer is insurance fraud. This is a felony offense in Florida. What degree of felony it is (and thus how severe of punishments a person can be given for it) depends on how much money the insurance fraud involved.
- Insurance fraud involving less than $20,000 is generally a third-degree felony, carrying up to five years in prison.
- Insurance fraud involving at least $20,000 but less than $100,000 is generally a second-degree felony, carrying up to 15 years in prison
- Insurance fraud involving at least $100,000 is generally a first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison
In addition to prison time, individuals can face other serious consequences in connection to insurance fraud convictions, including heavy fines.
So, accusations of lying in connection to an insurance claim could leave a person facing state felony charges here in Florida. Also, depending on the specifics of the allegations, the person could be facing federal fraud charges.
Given the serious charges that can come from being accused of insurance fraud, when Floridians are accused of lying on insurance claims, promptly getting quality defense guidance can be important.