GIAJ reports public gaps in awareness of fraud impact

Nearly 60% were unaware of industry efforts that work to combat insurance fraud. 

Whilst a majority of Japan (75%) still viewed fraudulent insurance claims as unacceptable, tolerance levels remain high when compared to minor offences like littering, according to a recent General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) survey.

The GIAJ has raised concerns over the public's shifting attitudes toward insurance fraud, based on the results of its latest survey—the first on the topic since 2012. 

The 2025 survey comes in the wake of high-profile fraud cases involving the former Big Motor Co. and aims to gauge current public awareness and inform future industry countermeasures.

Notably, people in their teens and twenties were consistently less likely to view fraudulent claims as wrong, signalling a generational decline in awareness of insurance-related misconduct.

GIAJ also highlighted that nearly 60% of respondents were unaware that insurers and industry bodies are actively working to combat insurance fraud. 

This lack of visibility may be contributing to continued misunderstandings, including the belief held by over 10% of respondents that fraudulent claims have no victims. 

Only 43.6% recognised that such claims also harm policyholders, not just insurance companies.

When asked where they would report suspected fraud, about 10% of respondents said they would either not report it or didn’t know how. 

GIAJ said it will use the findings to step up efforts across the general insurance sector, including enhancing public education on the consequences of fraud and reinforcing the integrity of the claims process.