Fraud is a hidden surcharge. It doesn’t appear on your bill, but every staged accident, inflated repair, or bogus windshield claim pushes costs higher. For drivers, those hidden costs translate into some of the steepest auto insurance rates in the country.
The good news: you’re not powerless. By knowing the most common scams and how they play out, you can avoid becoming the next target. And by working with experienced agents at The Windward Insurance Agency, you gain more than just an auto insurance policy – you gain a partner who knows how to help you navigate these risks.
Let’s take a closer look at the top three auto insurance fraud scams in Florida and what they mean for you.
1. Staged Accidents & False Injury Claims
Staged accidents often look ordinary at first: a quick stop, a low-speed crash, a few passengers insisting they’re injured. What follows is anything but ordinary – a trail of inflated medical bills and false injury claims designed to cash in at your expense.
This is one of the most common fraud schemes, and the bread-and-butter scam for organized fraud rings in Florida. Our state’s no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) system makes it lucrative: Insurers must cover up to $10,000 per person for medical expenses regardless of fault. And this is a tempting pool of money for those willing to stage a crash.
How it hits you: Staged accidents don’t just target insurers. They drag down honest drivers who may find themselves stuck with higher premiums or lengthy claim investigations. Worse, you may be blamed for a crash you couldn’t avoid – one of the most damaging auto insurance fraud scams in Florida today.
What helps: Dashcams have become quiet heroes against this scam, providing unbiased footage of sudden stops or orchestrated maneuvers. But no matter the tech, the basics still matter: call law enforcement after every crash, get a full report, and resist pressure to settle at the scene.
At The Windward Insurance Agency, we work with insurance companies dedicated to fraud detection. If you ever suspect you’ve been pulled into a staged crash, call us. We’ll guide you through the next steps and make sure your rights are protected.
2. Windshield Replacement Schemes
For years, drivers were chased down in parking lots and gas stations with a too-good-to-be-true pitch: “Free windshield replacement – no cost to you!” The catch was buried in paperwork. Many drivers unknowingly signed an Assignment of Benefits (AOB), handing over their policy rights to a glass shop. Those shops then inflated bills and sued insurers in the driver’s name.
The turning point: In 2023, Florida lawmakers stepped in. AOBs for auto glass are now void and unenforceable. Shops also can’t offer inducements like cash or gift cards to lure you into a claim. This reform cut the number of auto glass lawsuits in Florida by more than 80 percent within a year.
Still, the scam hasn’t disappeared entirely. Some shops exaggerate damage, tack on Advanced Driver Assistance System recalibration fees whether needed or not, or pressure you into unnecessary work.
Your move:
- If a stranger approaches you about your windshield, walk away.
- Contact your insurance agent before approving any repair or replacement.
- Ask for clear, itemized invoices and proof if recalibration is required.
How Windward fits in: Because we’re an independent agency, we don’t funnel you to one vendor. Our role is to connect you with carriers providing affordable auto insurance, explain your policy’s glass coverage, and show you how to avoid common auto insurance fraud scams in Florida like these windshield schemes.
3. Repair Shop Rip-Offs
Sometimes the fraud doesn’t happen on the road or at a glass shop. It happens when you hand over your car keys for legitimate repairs.
Unscrupulous shops inflate charges, bill for parts never installed, or even install counterfeit airbags, potentially putting lives at risk. After hurricanes or an increase in the number of car crashes, these rip-offs spike because the sheer volume of work creates cover for bad actors. This is when the fix is the fraud.
How it shows up: vague invoices, refusal to return old parts, or sudden add-on charges once the work is already underway. You may even be steered aggressively to a particular shop after a tow, only to find yourself saddled with a padded bill.
The countermeasure:
- Ask for multiple estimates when time allows.
- Stick with reputable shops your insurer recommends.
- Keep copies of all invoices and demand part numbers.
Windward’s role: The insurers we work with have relationships with networks of vetted, trustworthy repair shops. By leaning on us before you authorize work, you’re less likely to get caught up in a repair scheme.
Trusted Auto Insurance in Florida Starts With The Windward Insurance Agency
Fraud isn’t just an insurance industry issue – it lands directly on drivers through higher premiums and messy claims. Every bogus claim nudges your premium higher. By working with The Windward Insurance Agency, you gain more than just coverage – you gain a team who knows how auto insurance fraud scams in Florida operate and how to help you steer clear of them.
Here’s what it means for you:
- Multiple carriers, one advisor. We compare options across top insurers, tailoring your coverage to match your needs and budget.
- More than just auto. From home, condo, and renters to boat, flood, motorcycle, umbrella, and commercial policies, we help you protect your whole life under one roof.
- Savings through bundling. Combine auto with home or umbrella insurance, and you may trim your total premium while simplifying your coverage.
- Fraud awareness. Our agents stay current on Florida’s scams and can guide you through claims so you don’t get caught in them.
When fraudsters set traps, the best defense is knowledge, backed by the right coverage. Let’s make sure you’re driving with both.
Explore your auto insurance options through The Windward Insurance Agency with an auto quote online or call us at (866) 231-2433. You can also visit our auto insurance page online now for additional details.
Agency | Windward Insurance Agency
Finding the insurance coverage, you need can be a process, but it doesn’t have to be. In a sea of options, allow the Windward Insurance Agency to navigate the waters in search of the right options ...
