Best Insurance Fraud Lawyers in Marijampolė

About Insurance Fraud Law in Marijampolė, Republic of Lithuania

Insurance fraud in the Republic of Lithuania is a criminal offense that applies nationwide and is enforced locally in Marijampolė by the police, prosecutors, and the courts. At its core, insurance fraud is the intentional use of deception to obtain an unjust insurance payout or other benefit. Typical examples include staging or exaggerating traffic accidents, inflating property damage after a fire or burglary, submitting false medical invoices, concealing prior losses, or using forged documents to support a claim. Insurers may also investigate suspected provider fraud, such as false billing by repair shops or medical providers. While the laws are national, cases are investigated and prosecuted locally in Marijampolė, and insurers active in the city apply Lithuania’s insurance contract rules when evaluating claims.

Lithuanian law distinguishes between criminal fraud and civil or contractual issues. Intentional deception aimed at obtaining a payout may lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution. Less serious misstatements or non-material errors may result in civil consequences, such as claim reduction or refusal, under the terms of the insurance contract and the Civil Code. The Bank of Lithuania supervises the insurance market and sets conduct and claims handling standards, while the Financial Crime Investigation Service can support complex financial crime investigations. Understanding where your situation fits on the spectrum from an honest mistake to potential criminal exposure is essential when deciding on next steps.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you have been accused of inflating a claim, providing false information, or staging a loss. Early legal advice can help you understand your rights before you speak with an insurer, police officer, or prosecutor. A lawyer can guide you on what to disclose, how to preserve evidence, and how to avoid self-incrimination during interviews.

Legal assistance is also helpful if your insurer has denied or delayed a claim on the basis of suspected fraud. Counsel can review the policy terms, assess whether the insurer followed Lithuanian claims handling rules, and challenge an improper denial through the insurer’s internal process, the dispute resolution mechanism at the Bank of Lithuania, or the courts.

Witnesses, repair shops, medical providers, or brokers who receive information requests or are invited to interviews may also benefit from representation. A lawyer can help prepare responses, manage document production in line with data protection laws, and reduce the risk of inadvertently creating liability. Businesses and fleets operating in and around Marijampolė can set up internal compliance protocols and staff training to prevent fraud allegations and cooperate lawfully with investigations.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal liability for insurance fraud generally arises under the Lithuanian Criminal Code provisions on fraud, which prohibit obtaining property or benefit through deception. Penalties vary depending on the circumstances and can include fines, restriction of liberty, or imprisonment, with higher penalties for repeated, large-scale, or organized offenses. Related crimes may include document forgery and the use of forged documents, as well as false reporting to authorities when applicable.

Insurance contracts are governed by the Lithuanian Civil Code, which sets the rights and duties of insurers and policyholders. There is a duty to provide accurate and complete material information when entering the contract and when making a claim. If the policyholder intentionally provides false information or causes the insured event, the insurer may be entitled to refuse payment and terminate the contract. If misstatements are negligent rather than intentional, the remedy may be a proportional reduction of the payout. Many insurance disputes are resolved under contract law principles and do not involve criminal liability.

The Law on Insurance and the supervisory rules of the Bank of Lithuania regulate market conduct, licensing, and claims handling. Insurers must assess claims fairly, request only necessary information, decide within statutory deadlines, and provide reasoned decisions. If the customer disagrees, a free out-of-court dispute resolution mechanism exists at the Bank of Lithuania. Compulsory motor third party liability insurance has additional sector-specific rules and institutions, including the Motor Insurers Bureau of Lithuania for certain cross-border and hit-and-run situations.

Procedurally, pre-trial investigations are conducted by the Lithuanian Police or the Financial Crime Investigation Service, with oversight by prosecutors. Individuals have the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel from the earliest stage, and the right to an interpreter if needed. Searches and seizures generally require judicial authorization. Evidence in insurance fraud cases often includes policy documents, photographs, repair estimates, telematics, phone records, medical records, and witness statements.

Limitation periods are important. Criminal limitation periods depend on the severity of the offense. Civil claims arising from insurance contracts are subject to short limitation periods under Lithuanian law, commonly one year for many insurance contract claims, so prompt action is crucial when disputing a denial or asserting rights under a policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as insurance fraud in Lithuania?

Insurance fraud is intentional deception to obtain an unjust insurance benefit. Examples include staging or causing an accident on purpose, inflating repair costs, submitting false invoices, claiming non-existent injuries, hiding prior damage, or using forged documents. Honest mistakes are typically addressed under contract law, while intentional deception can trigger criminal liability.

Is exaggerating the extent of damage illegal?

Yes. Inflating the size or cost of a loss can be treated as fraud if done intentionally to obtain more than you are entitled to. Even if the underlying loss is real, knowingly overstating damage or adding unrelated items can create criminal exposure and lead to denial of the claim.

What should I do if my insurer accuses me of fraud?

Do not ignore the accusation. Read the notice carefully, preserve all documents and evidence, and consult a lawyer before responding. Provide truthful information, but avoid informal explanations that may be misunderstood. Your lawyer can engage with the insurer, request the basis for the suspicion, and challenge improper requests or conclusions.

Can I speak to the police without a lawyer if I am invited for an interview?

You have the right to legal counsel and the right to remain silent. It is advisable to obtain legal advice before any interview. A lawyer can attend the interview, help you understand the status of the proceeding, and ensure that your rights are respected.

How do insurers investigate suspected fraud?

Insurers may review policy and claim documents, request additional information, conduct scene inspections, analyze telematics or CCTV, consult experts, and verify invoices. They must act fairly and proportionately and respect data protection rules. If there is evidence of criminal activity, they may refer the matter to the police or the Financial Crime Investigation Service.

How long can an insurer take to decide my claim?

Insurers must decide within statutory deadlines after receiving the necessary documents, and they must provide a reasoned decision. If they need more time due to the complexity of the case, they should inform you and explain why. If you believe the delay is unjustified, you can seek review through the Bank of Lithuania’s dispute resolution mechanism or the courts.

What are the penalties for insurance fraud?

Penalties depend on the circumstances and may include fines, restriction of liberty, or imprisonment, with more severe penalties for large-scale or organized conduct. Separate offenses like document forgery may add to the liability. Courts also consider restitution and cooperation when deciding sentences.

What if a broker, repair shop, or medical provider misled me?

If you relied in good faith on a third party who submitted false documents or inflated costs, inform your insurer and your lawyer immediately. You may still face questions, but evidence of good faith can be important. The third party may bear civil or criminal liability. Your lawyer can help you separate your interests from those of the third party and protect your position.

Can I withdraw my claim to avoid criminal charges?

Withdrawing a claim does not automatically eliminate criminal liability if the offense has already been committed. However, making corrections, providing full information, and cooperating early can be relevant to the assessment of intent and to any charging or sentencing decisions. Seek legal advice before taking any step.

What if I am the victim of a staged accident or fraudulent scheme?

Report the incident to the police and your insurer as soon as possible. Preserve dashcam footage, photos, and witness details. Your insurer and, for motor cases, sector bodies can assist in recovery and liability assessment. A lawyer can help protect you against unfair liability claims and coordinate with authorities if criminal activity is suspected.

Additional Resources

Bank of Lithuania. The national financial market supervisor sets insurance conduct rules, oversees claims handling, and offers a free out-of-court dispute resolution mechanism for consumers in disputes with insurers.

Lithuanian Police and Marijampolė County Police Headquarters. These bodies handle local reporting and investigation of suspected criminal offenses, including insurance fraud, within Marijampolė and its surrounding areas.

Financial Crime Investigation Service. This service investigates complex financial crimes and can support or lead investigations into organized or large-scale fraud.

Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors oversee pre-trial investigations and bring charges in criminal cases related to fraud.

Lithuanian Bar Association. The national professional body can help you identify licensed lawyers with experience in insurance, criminal defense, and financial crime matters.

Motor Insurers Bureau of Lithuania. The sector body for compulsory motor third party liability insurance assists with claims involving unidentified or uninsured vehicles and cross-border cases.

Next Steps

If you have received a fraud accusation, an information request from an insurer, or an invitation from the police, pause and seek legal advice before responding. Early counsel can shape the outcome and reduce risk. Do not destroy, alter, or create documents after the fact. Preserve all photos, invoices, communications, GPS or telematics data, medical records, and witness contacts. Keep a timeline of events while details are fresh.

Request the insurer’s reasons for any denial or suspicion and ask which documents are needed to assess the claim. Provide only accurate information and avoid speculation. If you disagree with an insurer’s decision, use the internal complaint process and, if necessary, escalate to the Bank of Lithuania’s dispute resolution mechanism. Be mindful of the short limitation periods that apply to insurance contract disputes in Lithuania.

If contacted by law enforcement, confirm your status in the process and assert your right to counsel and to remain silent until advised. Attend any interview with your lawyer present. If your business is involved, establish a contact person for investigators, centralize document collection, and implement a lawful hold on relevant records to ensure preservation and compliance.

For those with limited means, inquire about state-guaranteed legal aid, which may be available depending on your income and the nature of the case. When selecting a lawyer, look for experience in insurance law and fraud defense, familiarity with procedures in Marijampolė, and the capacity to negotiate with insurers while protecting your rights in potential criminal proceedings.

Act promptly, stay organized, and communicate through your lawyer. Taking structured steps early can protect both your legal position and your legitimate claim rights under Lithuanian law.