North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Darren Jacob Surratt, 35, of 160 Flowering Grove Lane, Mooresville. Surratt was charged with insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense, both felonies.
Special Agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division accuse Surratt of taking out an automobile insurance policy with Permanent General Assurance Corp. one and one-half hours after having an auto accident on Jan. 7, and then filing an insurance claim for payment three days later.
According to the arrest warrant, Surratt also received $419.89 from the insurance company for payment for a rental car after filing the fraudulent insurance claim.
Special Agents, along with Mooresville police, arrested Surratt on March 4. He was released on an unsecured bond pending an April 4 date in Davidson County District Court.
Fraud is felt every time consumers pay their insurance premiums. Commissioner Causey estimates fraud costs North Carolinians between 15 and 20 cents on every dollar paid on insurance premiums.
"Insurance fraud affects our economy. Not only does it damage insurance companies, it cheats businesses and consumers too," Commissioner Causey said. "This kind of white-collar crime is unacceptable. That's why I've doubled the number of Special Agents to investigate insurance fraud. Cracking down on fraud will put more money in the pockets of businesses and consumers.”.
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840.
Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.