June 15, 2015

 Arson can solve many problems if the insured can get away with it. It can get him out from under mortgages or liens, provide funds for medical or other bills, or spite an ex- or soon-to- be ex-spouse. Generally no one gets hurt, and the arsonist figures the insurance carrier has lots of money available to pay out. The following checklist can help identify items that could indicate the fire was not as accidental as it seems. More than two of these factors, especially if there are other flags, indicate that the claim should be referred to investigators for further research.

 

____More than one mortgage

____Late payments

____Divorce

____Prior claims

 

____Multiple claims

____Problems affecting title to the property

____Over-insurance

____An increase in insurance coverage right before the claim

____Recent cancellations of insurance held with prior insurers

____Liens

____Threats of foreclosure on the property

 

____Lawsuits

____Recent job transfers