By Bruce Hagevik, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

ST. PAUL (WCCO) — During Insurance Fraud Awareness Week, the Insurance Federation of Minnesota is encouraging everyone to report suspected insurance fraud.

“In Minnesota, we estimate that about $900 per family is paid by each and every family to pay for higher costs for the goods and services that you buy and higher insurance premiums,” said Mark Kulda of the Federation.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO’s Bruce Hagevik Reports

Kulda said there are many kinds of insurance fraud but they all cost consumers money in the end.

“There is some research that shows that people think that it is actually OK to pad an insurance claim. Two-thirds of the people in a recent study thought it was OK to do that,” said Kulda.

Insurance Fraud Awareness Week highlights numerous types of fraud: homeowners’ insurance, disability income, auto insurance and more.

Kulda said auto insurance fraud has been on the rise with some people “faking” accidents and then filing claims.