Mar 25, 2019   SOURCE: BusinessWire

GEICO’s Zero Tolerance for Fraud Leads to Filing RICO Lawsuit in Arizona

To prove its point that GEICO has a zero tolerance policy regarding insurance fraud, GEICO has filed a federal lawsuit in Arizona against an auto glass repair shop suspected of submitting fraudulent glass repair bills. GEICO seeks to recover damages under Civil RICO statutes, as well as for unjust enrichment and fraud, and, GEICO says, the Arizona action is also a preview of future lawsuits.

GEICO alleges that its customers’ signatures were forged on invoices submitted to GEICO for repairs by A & E Auto Glass that were never performed. Specifically, GEICO was billed for repairs associated with recalibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems using falsified documents. In many instances, such a system was not even available on the specific make and model of the vehicle being repaired. In addition to billing for services which were never provided, the suit alleges that the defendants submitted fabricated documents from Arizona automobile dealerships for reimbursement of glass parts that were never purchased.

“GEICO has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to insurance fraud,” said Shane Wheeler, assistant vice president of claims in GEICO’s Tucson, Arizona, office. “These incidents of fraud hurt consumers because they cause premiums to increase.” Wheeler went on to say that GEICO has a long history of seeking out individuals willing to commit fraud. GEICO intends to file future lawsuits to continue making every effort to protect its customers and the public from fraudulent glass repair operators.

GEICO filed its case – Government Employees Insurance Company, et al. v. A & E Solheim, LLC, d/b/a A & E Auto Glass, et. al. – in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. GEICO also seeks a declaration that any pending claims are not owed. GEICO is represented by Barry Levy, Rivkin Radler LLP and William Thorpe, Thorpe Shwer P.C.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company), the second-largest auto insurer in the U.S., was founded in 1936 and insures more than 27 million vehicles.

To make changes, report claims, print insurance cards and purchase additional products, policyholders can log into their car insurance policy, connect via GEICO Mobile, phone or by visiting a GEICO local agent.

Homeowners, renters, condo, flood, identity theft and life coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto and personal umbrella coverages are also available.

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