Every morning, thousands of commuters stream from Rijswijk via the A13 and A12 towards Den Haag and Delft. Precisely on these routes, reported collisions regularly emerge that later prove to be staged. Insurance fraud costs the Netherlands approximately 950 million euros in additional premiums annually, but the impact is greatest for those who unintentionally become involved.
The Various Manifestations of Fraud
Fictitious Claims
In this case, damage is reported that never occurred. Think of a stolen car that has in reality been resold or an accident that was staged on the A4 at exit Ypenburg. Such reports are often accompanied by forged documents.
Inflated Damage Amounts
The most common variant: a real event is used, but the costs are greatly exaggerated. Examples include inventory lists with items that were never in the home or repair invoices that do not match the actual damage.
Non-Disclosure at Inception
The deliberate withholding of relevant information falls under the duty of disclosure (article 7:928 BW). When intent can be proven, this shifts to fraud.
Identity Misuse and Organised Networks
Policies in the name of deceased persons or claims under someone else's identity occur in combination with carousel fraud. Networks with fraudulent garages and physicians often cause tens of thousands of euros in damage per case. The CIS and the police work together to dismantle these structures.
Modern Detection Methods
Insurers analyse claims with big-data tools, screen social media and engage private detectives upon suspicion. Checking against the Centraal Informatie Systeem is also standard.
Consequences on Civil, Criminal and Social Levels
Civil Measures
- Full recovery of paid amounts
- Policy termination and exclusion from other insurers
- CIS registration for five to eight years
Criminal Law Aspect
Fraud (article 326 Sr) can lead to four years' imprisonment or a fine of up to € 90,000. In the case of organised fraud, the maximum penalty increases to six years. The Rechtbank Den Haag regularly handles these cases.
Professional and Personal Consequences
A conviction can block a certificate of conduct (VOG) and hinder access to financial professions or mortgages.
What to Do in Case of an Unjustified Accusation?
Insurers sometimes make mistakes. Always request written substantiation, gather evidence and engage a lawyer in good time. At the Arslan office at Generaal Spoorlaan 35 in Rijswijk you can go for an initial consultation. Any CIS registration can be challenged via the civil court or the Juridisch Loket Den Haag.
Concluding Remark
The average fraud case yields only € 1,500, while the consequences continue for years. Anyone considering committing fraud runs a risk that rarely outweighs the short-term gain.