Search
 

Speaking Of: SIU Outsourcing

Over the years, special investigation units (SIUs) have rapidly evolved in terms of methodology and structure in response to a changing world and emerging fraud schemes. Just ask Tim Wolfe.

By Christina Bramlet | Updated on June 30, 2009
Over the years, special investigation units (SIUs) have rapidly evolved in terms of methodology and structure in response to a changing world and emerging fraud schemes. Just ask Tim Wolfe. Here, CNA’s SIU director talks to Claims’ Christina Bramlet about the shift as well as how insurers are parlaying qualified vendors and specialized functions to combat fraud and stay nimble.

SIUs have undergone various permutations since the 1990s heydays of large field teams. Would you speak to the changing landscape?

At one time, the model was that carriers would have their own in-house SIUs staffed primarily by former members of law enforcement. These professionals would go out and conduct investigations and interviews, prosecuting for fraud when evidence existed. In 2001, a watershed occurred. All of a sudden, insurers were not making money with investments. This necessitated cutbacks, which included substantial scaling back in SIU.

Outsourcing became increasingly more common. Some companies were forced to lay off their entire SIU staffs, whereas others employed a skeleton crew to start managing national SIU vendors.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.