Insurance Fraud Questionnaire
Purpose and scope of the Insurance Fraud Questionnaire
Why a consistent questionnaire matters for fraud investigations
Using a formal Insurance Fraud Questionnaire standardizes data capture, reduces re-contact with claimants, and creates a defensible record for denials, recoveries, or prosecution. It supports timely decisions and consistent handling across adjusters and SIU teams.
Who typically completes or receives this questionnaire
Typical users include insurance claims adjusters, special investigations units (SIU), compliance officers, and external forensic examiners.
- Claims adjusters: gather incident details, verify policy coverage, and note discrepancies for referral.
- Special Investigations Units (SIU): conduct targeted interviews, perform record checks, and recommend escalation.
- External investigators and counsel: collect forensic evidence, prepare reports for subrogation or prosecution.
The completed questionnaire becomes part of the claim file and may be shared with legal, subrogation, and regulators as appropriate.
Primary roles that interact with the form
Claims Manager
Oversees claim intake and triage, uses questionnaire responses to decide whether to open an SIU investigation, allocate investigative resources, or adjust reserves. Documents rationale for denials or recoveries and maintains records for internal audit or state insurance examiners.
Legal Counsel
Reviews completed questionnaires when litigation, regulatory reporting, or law enforcement referral is likely. Advises on evidence preservation, disclosure obligations, and coordinates subpoenas, civil recovery, or coordination with prosecutors.
Consequences of false statements or incomplete responses
Common mistakes when preparing or using the questionnaire
- Incomplete claimant identifiers (e.g., missing DOB or mismatched name) that delay verification and trigger additional requests.
- Vague incident narratives that lack chronology or supporting documents, increasing rework and investigator time.
- Attaching unsigned or undated statements that undermine evidentiary weight or admissibility.
- Failing to secure or log chain-of-custody for physical evidence and digital files, which weakens legal and regulatory positions.
Step-by-step: how to complete an Insurance Fraud Questionnaire
-
011. Verify Identity: Confirm full legal name and government ID details.
-
022. Record Incident: Capture date, time, location, and a clear chronology.
-
033. Attach Evidence: Include photos, receipts, police reports, and medical records.
-
044. Sign and Date: Obtain claimant signature and signing date; log method.
Where completed questionnaires are routed
-
Claims File: Primary storage for the claim record and immediate adjuster review.
-
Special Investigations Unit: SIU receives questionnaires flagged for potential fraud.
-
Legal / Subrogation: Legal team reviews for recovery or litigation potential.
-
Regulatory Report: Send to state fraud bureau when required by statute or policy.
Configuring an online questionnaire workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication method | Email link, SMS code, or KBA where needed. |
| Conditional fields | Show follow-up questions when red flags appear. |
| Auto-attach evidence | Allow upload of photos and PDFs from claimant. |
| Audit trail retention | Record IP, timestamp, and signer actions. |
Technical considerations for eSubmission and storage
Choose a platform that preserves an audit trail, supports the required file formats, and meets industry compliance needs.
- File formats: PDF, DOCX, and image files supported.
- Integrations: Connect to claim systems, CRM, and cloud storage.
- Authentication options: Email, SMS, KBA, or multi-factor available.
Typical timelines and processing expectations
Initial questionnaire issuance:
Issue within 7–30 days of claim intake, depending on risk factors.
Claimant response expected:
Request reply within 14 calendar days to avoid delays.
SIU review window:
Complete initial SIU triage within 7 business days.
Regulatory reporting:
Report suspected fraud per state DOI deadlines.
Evidence preservation:
Preserve originals until investigation and legal review complete.
How the Insurance Fraud Questionnaire differs from related documents
| Criteria | Insurance Fraud Questionnaire | Proof of Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | fact collection for fraud screening | claim valuation and payment |
| Signature requirement | yes, declaration & signature | yes, sworn signature |
| Typical use | investigation and siu triage | settlement and claims payment |
| Legal weight | investigative record for referral | contractual claim document |
Pricing: eSignature providers commonly used for questionnaires
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Practical examples of questionnaire use
Auto Claim SIU
An adjuster notices inconsistent accident times and requests the questionnaire to document chronology and witnesses
- SIU flags the claim for further forensic inspection of photos and repair invoices
- The completed questionnaire and attachments provided basis for a subrogation demand and supported coordination with local law enforcement.
Healthcare Loss Review
A large medical billing claim triggers a questionnaire to capture treatment dates and provider invoices
- Discrepancies in provider addresses prompt verification requests
- The form and supporting records enabled the insurer to recover overpaid amounts and update provider watchlists.
Authentication, notarization, and witness steps
Step 1: Identity Verification
Confirm government-issued ID and record verification method.
Step 2: Signer Consent
Obtain and record consent to transact electronically when required.
Step 3: Signature Capture
Collect signature and date; note electronic method used.
Step 4: Notary Execution
If needed, perform in-person or RON notarization per state rules.
Step 5: Witness Attestation
Obtain witness signatures if state or form requires them.
Step 6: Audio/Video Recording
For RON, retain audio-video session per state retention rules.
Step 7: Audit Trail Storage
Store IP, timestamps, and signer metadata with document.
Step 8: Evidence Preservation
Secure originals and digital files pending legal review.
FAQs: common questions about the Insurance Fraud Questionnaire
-
Can the questionnaire be e-signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes. Ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to electronic records, the signature is attributable, and the record can be retained and reproduced.
-
When is notarization required?
Not all questionnaires require notarization. Use a notary when a state rule, internal policy, or the intended use (e.g., sworn affidavit) requires it. For remote notarization, follow state RON rules and identity-proofing requirements.
-
What if the claimant refuses to complete it?
Document the refusal, obtain a recorded declination if possible, and note impacts on claim handling. A refusal can justify additional investigation or benefit suspension consistent with policy terms.
-
How long should we preserve supporting files?
Retain the questionnaire and attachments through the claim lifecycle and applicable retention period. Follow federal standards (e.g., IRS three years) and HIPAA six-year retention where health records are involved.
-
Is the questionnaire admissible in court?
A properly executed and authenticated questionnaire with preserved audit trail, witness statements, and chain-of-custody may be admissible. Work with counsel to verify evidentiary requirements and foundation.
-
When should we refer to law enforcement?
Refer when investigation uncovers credible evidence of criminal conduct or when required by policy or state law. Coordinate with legal and preserve all supporting documentation for potential prosecution.