A Caldwell County woman found herself entangled with the law after North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced her arrest over insurance fraud charges. According to a press release from the Department of Insurance, 51-year-old Christina Leigh Beaver of Lenoir is facing a count each of insurance fraud and attempting to obtain property by false pretense, both felonies, following an investigation by the NC Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division.
The division's agents have reported that Beaver falsely claimed to Peak Property and Casualty Insurance Company she was in her Green Kia Soul during a collision to receive payment from her auto insurance policy, but it turns out her story didn't quite hold up investigators later found out that she wasn't present at the scene of the alleged accident on March 14. Subsequently, Lenoir Police arrested Beaver on May 13; local authorities remanded her to the Caldwell County Detention Center with her bond set at $50,000 and she made an appearance in Caldwell County District Court the next day.
The case brings to light the broader impact of insurance fraud on the average consumer. "Insurance fraud hits consumers in the wallet," Commissioner Causey explained, "Approximately 20 cents of every insurance premium dollar goes to covering the cost of fraud.", determined to curb such fraudulent activities through diligent pursuit and prosecution in his state. The Department of Insurance urges anyone suspecting insurance fraud to report these crimes, with options to do so anonymously by calling the NC Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division, whether through their direct line or toll-free number.
As the repercussions of Beaver's actions ripple out to potentially increased premiums for honest policyholders, North Carolina officials remain steadfast in their fight against fraudulent claims that hike up costs for consumers while ensuring that incidents are investigated – and when necessary, prosecuted.
