Insurance fraudsters will face jail terms, McDowell warns

INSURANCE fraudsters will be jailed under tough laws to be introduced this year, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said yesterday.

Fraud in the industry will cost policy holders an estimated €100 million this year, according to insurers.

Mr McDowell is drafting legislation which will allow gardaí prosecute anyone who makes a false or exaggerated claim. People making fraudulent or exaggerated claims are currently unlikely to face prosecution, the Alliance for Insurance Reform (AIR) said.