| California car drivers beware - authorities have | | | | Though the California Department of Insurance |
| recently arrested Leandra Delgadillo of Canyon | | | | Investigators is keen on ensuring all providers in |
| County for automobile insurance fraud according | | | | the state are legal and properly certified there is |
| to the Insurance Journal. Leandra, 32, has allegedly | | | | no way to offer a 100% guarantee that they can |
| been providing fake auto insurance certificates to | | | | ensure that sort of fraud is not happening |
| car dealers from March 2007 through May 2008, | | | | elsewhere. So how can you help protect yourself |
| collecting the premiums for herself as she is not a | | | | and make sure that you are properly covered |
| licensed insurance broker. If convicted she could | | | | when you purchase insurance for your vehicle? |
| face up to two years in jail and is currently being | | | | Thankfully today there are a number of ways |
| held on $20,000 bail. | | | | you can research this information, including using |
| Though the California Department of Insurance | | | | the internet to your advantage. A number of auto |
| Investigators is still investigating the case they | | | | insurance search engines can help provide you |
| report the she has collected over $5,000 in | | | | with useful information on both legally registered |
| premiums from owners of two used car | | | | companies and insurance quotes in your local area. |
| dealerships in the San Fernando Valley. Delgadillo's | | | | Though it may sound bad to be suspicious of |
| alleged scam was discovered when a victim | | | | your providers additional research can never hurt. |
| sought to confirm their insurance policy with the | | | | When looking for a provider, make sure that they |
| agent listed on the certificate only to be informed | | | | can cover a few of the basic needs that you |
| that the policy did not exist. Thankfully this | | | | have and that they are properly certified with the |
| happened before any incident requiring a claim | | | | state. When doing your research you may even |
| needed to be filed. | | | | find providers some providers that can offer you |
| This can throw up some red flags for drivers in | | | | better services at cheaper rates and can help you |
| the California area and begs the question: how | | | | save money in both the short and long run. |
| sure are you about your own auto insurance? | | | | |