Peel Regional Police - www.peelpolice.on.ca

Peel - Just because there is an insurance card in your wallet does not mean that you have automobile insurance. Police and the auto insurance industry are concerned with the increased number of vehicles in the community with fraudulent insurance cards.

Insurance cards are the pink documents required by law that contain insurance particulars for vehicles, including policy numbers and policy expiry dates.

Fraudulent insurance cards appear valid, but have false policy numbers and or expiry dates. Drivers using fraudulent cards are driving with no insurance and can face fines up to $5,000.00 and/or criminal charges. In addition, if involved in motor vehicle collisions, these drivers may find themselves civilly liable for costs related to the collision and any injuries.

In concert with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario and the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, a recent week long series of spot-checks was conducted by the Peel Regional Police, focusing on this issue. Over 500 vehicles were investigated at various locations throughout the cities of Brampton and Mississauga. The checks resulted in 71 charges against drivers, of which 32 were insurance related offences and three fraudulent insurance cards were discovered.

Police note that drivers may not be aware that they have a fraudulent insurance card. Individuals with poor driving records and or drivers with no Canadian driving history may find themselves facing high costs for car insurance. They may be approached by culprits trafficking in fraudulent insurance cards and offered car insurance at significantly reduced rates. The victims purchase what they believe is valid insurance, but which is in fact fraudulent.

Police are urging drivers to ensure the insurance they have for their vehicle is valid and up-to-date. If they have any concerns they should contact their respective insurance companies to verify they are documented as clients.

Members of the public with information on individuals creating fraudulent insurance documents are urged to contact Police either directly or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. They may also contact the Insurance Crime Tip Line at 1-877-IBC-TIPS.

In partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario, police are actively addressing complaints of this nature.

Originator:
Detective Sergeant John Betts
Fraud Bureau
(905) 453-2121 ext. 3330

Contact:
Constable Craig Platt
Media Relations
(905) 453-2121 ext. 4027
September 13, 2006