What is fraud?
Webster's dictionary defines fraud as "a deliberate deception for unlawful or unfair gain."

What is homeowners insurance fraud?
Though one private person's definition of fraud often doesn't match his neighbor's, insurance companies have a clear understanding of what exactly constitutes fraud. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but is put forth to share with you what constitutes fraud from the perspective of an insurer. The home insurance industry considers the following transgressions fraudulent:

• Inflates the true amount of a claim.
• Fakes a theft or burglary.
• Engages in arson.
• Submits a false claim.
• Stages an accident.
• Asks a contractor for an estimate that covers the amount of the deductible.
• Makes a claim for a loss that was previously paid by another insurance company.
• Receives undeserved compensation from an insurance company.

The Homesite Fraud Detection Unit (FDU)
Since its inception, Homesite has played an active role in helping to combat homeowners insurance fraud with the creation of The Homesite Fraud Detection Unit (FDU). The FDU's sole purpose is to investigate and combat this very serious and expensive crime. Specific duties of the Homesite FDU are to:

• Conduct investigations of suspected insurance fraud.
• Respond to complaints of insurance fraud.
• Report known or suspected incidences of insurance fraud to appropriate law enforcement agencies and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
• Promote education and awareness of insurance fraud and its consequences.