NCJ Number
54514
Date Published
Unknown
Length
22 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOKLET OUTLINES WHAT INSURANCE ADJUSTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ARSON IN TERMS OF THE HOW, WHEN, WHERE, WHAT, AND WHY'S OF INTENTIONAL INCENDIARY INCIDENTS.
Abstract
IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING OLD AND NEW ATTITUDES ABOUT ARSON, INSURER'S INTEREST IN CURBING ARSON, AND THE CLAIM ADJUSTER'S GENERAL ROLE, THE MATERIAL REVIEWS THE CLAIM ADJUSTER'S INTERACTION WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN DETERMINING WHERE AND HOW A SUSPICIOUS FIRE BEGAN, WITH ATTENTION TO THE POINT OF ORIGIN, ACCIDENTAL CAUSES, FIRESETTING MECHANISMS, AND PROTECTING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE. THE MOTIVES FOR ARSON ARE EXAMINED WITH RESPECT TO NONINSURANCE INCENTIVES AND INSURANCE FRAUD; THE COMMON SIGNS OF INSURANCE FRAUD ARE CONSIDERED, ALONG WITH SUGGESTIONS RELATING TO ARSON INVESTIGATION, LIBEL AND SLANDER, BASES FOR DENYING A CLAIM, AND DIRECT VERSUS CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE. TIPS ON WHAT TO DO IF A CLAIM GOES TO COURT AND HOW TO GET MORE HELP ARE ALSO BRIEFLY COVERED. DRAWINGS ARE INCLUDED. (KBL)