§ 401 — Title; legislative declaration and purpose

§ 401. Title; legislative declaration and purpose. This article shall\nbe known and may be cited as the "insurance frauds prevention act".\n (a) The legislature finds and declares that the business of insurance\ndirectly and indirectly affects all sectors of the public, business and\ngovernment. It further finds that the business of insurance, including\norganization and licensing, the issuance of policies, and the adjustment\nand payment of claims and losses, involve many transactions which have\npotential for abuse and illegal activities.\n (b) Arson for insurance fraud is a particularly damaging crime against\nsociety, destroying lives, property and neighborhoods. Insurance losses\nresulting from arson are reflected in higher premiums charged to\nresidents of this state.\n (c) This article establishes a framework within which the\nsuperintendent and the department can more effectively assist in the\nelimination of arson for insurance fraud. That increased capacity,\ntogether with a more effective monitoring of fire loss claims and\npayments by the insurance industry through centralized reporting and\noversight, is intended to make it more difficult to perpetrate the crime\nof insurance fraud by arson.\n