NCJ Number
122649
Journal
Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 589-603
Date Published
1989
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The focus of this study is a particular form of white-collar, crime-insurance fraud in auto body repair.
Abstract
Using an experimental design, the authors investigated whether repair estimates were related to insurance coverage. The study used a statewide representative sample of auto body repair shops in Massachusetts. With insurance coverage, the auto body repair estimates were significantly higher regardless of type of car, extent of damage, sex of driver, and location of shop. The implication of these results is that the automobile insurance industry is very susceptible to fraudulent or illegal practices that take unfair advantage of insurance companies and the consumer. 5 tables, 1 figure, 8 notes, 6 references. (Author abstract modified)