Ask an Expert: How do fire investigations identify fraudulent claims, and what’s the impact on the policyholder?

Fire-related claims are subject to heightened scrutiny due to the potential for fraud. Fraudulent fire claims, where a fire is intentionally lit or misrepresented to obtain a payout, pose significant legal, financial, and reputational risks. Detecting and managing these claims...

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James Walker, Managing Director — ANSIC

11 May 2026

1 min read

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Ask an Expert: How do fire investigations identify fraudulent claims, and what’s the impact on the policyholder?

Fire-related claims are subject to heightened scrutiny due to the potential for fraud.

Fraudulent fire claims, where a fire is intentionally lit or misrepresented to obtain a payout, pose significant legal, financial, and reputational risks.

Detecting and managing these claims effectively is essential for maintaining the integrity of the insurance system.

How fraudulent fire claims are identified

When a fire claim is lodged, insurers typically initiate a thorough investigation to establish the cause and origin of the incident.

If anomalies are detected – such as inconsistent statements, financial distress, or recent policy changes – specialist investigators may be appointed to explore the matter further.