NJ Auto Insurance Group Plymouth Rock Collaborates with the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor on Trending Fraud Issues

RED BANK, N.J., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent collaborative effort, the private and public sectors joined forces when auto insurance group Plymouth Rock Assurance, partnered with NJ state officials to present, "New Jersey Law Enforcement Training," in Hamilton, NJ. Exhibited by members of the Plymouth Rock Claims and Legal Departments, the training focused on educating law enforcement personnel on the growing state-wide insurance fraud epidemic and systemic abuse related to Personal Injury Protection (PIP). The presentation, which also discussed homeowner and other property and casualty insurance, was a successful venture in explaining how auto insurance fraud and medical abuse in regard to PIP is a driving force in the increase in premium for drivers throughout New Jersey.

According to the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, all consumers of auto insurance in NJ pay the price of fraud. Fraudulent claims cost insurance companies money which is then recouped through higher premiums and rates. Plymouth Rock has taken action against this issue by reaching out to its customers and has established strong relationships with many state and local agencies. The NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP), the Bureau of Fraud Deterrence, as well as representatives from local prosecutors' offices continue to work together with Plymouth Rock to battle the large scale issue of insurance fraud as well as increasing public awareness about the problem. "We have a new revised approach to fighting fraud and medical abuse. We all live in New Jersey so we take it personally. Public awareness has taken a backseat. But at Plymouth Rock, we are taking action to push it to the forefront," said Louis Palomeque, vice president, Claims at Plymouth Rock.

Plymouth Rock's Special Investigative Unit works with state officials on insurance fraud and medical abuse situations. "Plymouth Rock sought us out and offered their assistance. They have been helping us on an almost daily basis, working joint cases and giving us leads. Their investigative work is of such high quality that it has allowed us to move forward on several important cases," said Joseph Brennan, Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Fraud Deterrence.

"Plymouth Rock's comprehensive presentation on PIP fraud to OIFP staff is indicative of the cooperative and mutually supportive partnership between law enforcement and the insurance industry in New Jersey," said Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Ronald Chillemi. "Ongoing anti-fraud training enhances the investigative, legal, and technical expertise of OIFP detectives, deputy attorneys general, analysts, and support staff and is vital to OIFP's continued success in investigating and prosecuting insurance fraud in New Jersey."

To learn more or to report insurance fraud, contact the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. Call 1-877-55-FRAUD or visit www.njinsurancefraud.org.

For more information about Plymouth Rock Assurance, contact us.

About Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock Assurance is a marketing name used by a group of separate companies that write and manage property and casualty insurance in multiple states. Insurance in New Jersey is offered by Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey (PlymouthRockNJ.com) on behalf of High Point Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Teachers Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey, Palisades Safety and Insurance Association, and their affiliates. Each company is financially responsible only for its own insurance products. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by each company.

SOURCE Plymouth Rock Assurance