Twelve people caught for providing false or misleading information in their motor injury insurance claims have been prosecuted by the Magistrates Court of Western Australia, the Insurance Commission has reported.

The cases included motorists attempting to claim lost wages for time off work while they were actually working and exaggerating the extent of their injuries, with the claims investigated totalling more than $3.1 million in avoided costs.

“WA’s motor injury insurance scheme exists to provide care and compensation to people injured in car crashes,” said Ben Wyatt, ICWA treasurer. “People who falsely claim they are unable to work or exaggerate their injuries for financial reward, undermine the integrity of the scheme and place upward pressure on insurance premiums for all motorists to cover that cost. The Insurance Commission has released the results of these prosecutions to remind all claimants to be honest when making a motor injury claim. It’s not worth the risk of a criminal conviction, the fine, and consequences that come from breaking the law and appearing in court.”

Another seven cases will be heard in the court later this year.