People who make false insurance claims or exaggerate the extent of injuries on their claims defraud the Insurance Commission and increase the cost of insurance premium rates for all Western Australian motorists.
In 2017, the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943 was changed to make is a criminal offence to provide false or misleading statement and information, and to introduce a financial penalty for the offence.
If you suspect fraudulent behaviour regarding a motor injury insurance claim you can report it confidentially to the Insurance Commission.
About Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is dishonestly attempting to claim or receive a benefit otherwise not entitled to, and may be committed by claimants or service providers.
Insurance fraud committed by a claimant may involve:
- deliberate falsification of a claim or providing false information (lying about work propects and health conditions);
- working a second job when claiming workers’ compensation from another job;
- exaggerating injuries and inability to work to receive greater benefits; and
- purposefully causing a crash or an injury in order to make a claim.
Insurance fraud committed by service providers (including medical providers) may involve:
- charging claimants for long consults irrespective of the consult time;
- dispensing generic drugs to claimants, but charging the Insurance Commission for the non-generic kind; and
- billing the Insurance Commission for an exaggerated number of working hours.
We actively investigate fraud and catch many people doing the wrong thing every year. When we find fraud, we may:
- refer it to Western Australia Police for criminal investigation;
- initiate civil action to recover compensation amounts overpaid; or
- refer to the Corruption and Crime Commission or Public Sector Commission if a public sector employee is suspected to be involved in a fraudulent workers’ compensation claim.
Fraud Case Studies
View a complete list of Fraud Case Studies in the News and Publications section of this site
Report Fraud
Please report fraud. After all you’re paying for it.
Catching out people who make fraudulent claims saves WA motorists and taxpayers millions each year.
You may know someone who is trying to rip off the system. Please report it:
- Telephone: +61 (8) 9264 3333 (request to be put through to Investigations and Intelligence Section)
- Email: fraud@icwa.wa.gov.au
- Online Fraud Report Form
You can remain anonymous.
Public Interest Disclosure
Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2003 (the PID Act), any person can make a public interest disclosure if they believe something is wrong with the way a public authority, public officer or public sector contractor has acted, is acting, or may be going to act and which is of public interest.
This might involve:
- Improper conduct
- An offence under a written law (including corruption)
- Substantial unauthorised or irregular use of, or substantial mismanagement of public resources; or
- Conduct that involves a substantial and specific risk of injury, prejudice to public safety or harm to the environment.
The PID Act:
- provides protection for those making such disclosures and those who are the subject of disclosures; and
- provides a system for matters to be investigated and action to be taken.
Before making a disclosure, please refer to the Public Sector Commission’s guidance Note Don't be afraid to speak up to be aware of the rights and responsibilities imposed on disclosers and others under the PID Act.
Lodge your PID complaint personally with the Insurance Commission’s Investigations and Intelligence Manager or via email to PID@icwa.wa.gov.au or call +61 (8) 9264 3231.
Page Last Updated 18 May 2021