Title; legislative declaration and purpose

§ 401. Title; legislative declaration and purpose. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "insurance frauds prevention act". (a) The legislature finds and declares that the business of insurance directly and indirectly affects all sectors of the public, business and government. It further finds that the business of insurance, including organization and licensing, the issuance of policies, and the adjustment and payment of claims and losses, involve many transactions which have potential for abuse and illegal activities. (b) Arson for insurance fraud is a particularly damaging crime against society, destroying lives, property and neighborhoods. Insurance losses resulting from arson are reflected in higher premiums charged to residents of this state. (c) This article establishes a framework within which the superintendent and the department can more effectively assist in the elimination of arson for insurance fraud. That increased capacity, together with a more effective monitoring of fire loss claims and payments by the insurance industry through centralized reporting and oversight, is intended to make it more difficult to perpetrate the crime of insurance fraud by arson.