NCJ Number
87557
Date Published
1982
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This study reports results from a survey of insurance companies designed to determine the incidence of suspected arson. The survey was based on a sample of 13,418 fire insurance claim files.
Abstract
The claims were reported for residential and commercial insurance written in the voluntary market and through Fair Accss to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans. The incidence of suspected arson was higher in FAIR Plans than the voluntary insurance market. For residential coverage involving losses over $1,000, arson was suspected in 30 percent of all fires covered by FAIR Plans, while only 11 percent of the voluntary market fires was affected. For commercial coverage involving losses over $5,000, arson was suspected in 40 percent of the FAIR Plan fires as compared to only 27 percent of voluntary market fires. Each suspected arson fire was classified according to the six motive categories: arson fraud, vandalism, revenge, concealment of another crime, pyromania, or other motive. Vandalism was the most common motive, indicated in over 50 percent of all arson fires in the voluntary market. Arson fires with a fraud motive were the most costly, followed by arson with nonfraud motives, and then nonarson fires. Survey data and the questionnaire are provided. (Author summary modified)