Allianz to grow fraud team

Allianz is set to recruit 17 new personnel to its technical and operational fraud teams, in anticipation of recession related increases in fraud.

The insurer said the new recruits will tackle fraud across all classes of business including motor, household, commercial property and casualty claims.

Mihir Pandya, fraud manager, said: “Ensuring that we have an even allocation of resource puts us in a strong position to identify and manage recession related fraud in all vulnerable areas.

"For example, we have created a property fraud team in anticipation of expected increases in arson related fraud and by creating this team we are better prepared in tackling this risk as it arises.”

In addition to these new appointments, all claims handling staff are undertaking fraud training as part of Allianz’s Excellence in Claims training programme, which aims to provide staff with the tools, time and environment to develop their skills and knowledge.

The training has been designed to increase staff awareness of the Allianz fraud strategy and will cover UK legislation, types of fraud, the referral process and how a claim can be investigated whilst still ensuring that the principles of 'treating the customer fairly' are still embodied.

Graham Gibson, director of claims, said: “This investment is testament to Allianz’s commitment to tackling fraud and positions us as one of the leading insurers in this area, both in terms of the investment we are making and the successes we are achieving.”