A Tampa-based property insurance company is under investigation for fraud related to Ian

New details are emerging about the state’s criminal investigation into a Florida-based insurance company.

For months, FOX 4 has heard complaints from Southwest Florida residents about their Tampa-based insurance provider, Heritage Property and Casualty.

NEW DETAILS ON CRIMINAL INSURANCE INVESTIGATIONS

Residents complained that their insurance claims were not paid in full following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian.

Whistleblowers accused the insurer of changing reports from on-site clerks.

MILLION DOLLAR FINE: Florida Insurance Co. fined $1 million over Hurricane Ian response

“I know what is being alleged is quite sensational and we want to get to the bottom of it,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, confirming a criminal investigation.

State officials tell FOX 4 that the state Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating allegations of systemic fraud.

“Investigations are still ongoing. In a criminal investigation, all evidence must be examined. Just this week, more evidence was presented by lawyers,” Patronis said.

CAPE CORAL: $1,000,000 fine for insurance company; Residents are still not being paid

State regulators earlier this year fined Heritage $1,000,000, one of the largest fines in state history.

Regulators say the insurance company used adjusters who were not properly licensed and failed to respond to customers in a timely manner.

“When you talk about the experts who prepare the report, we now have protections in Florida law that you can’t just ignore what the expert does. We now have a clear, compelling reason to go down. That may not have been the case when Ian happened,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Heritage denies any wrongdoing.

The company says it has improved customer service and reduced prices by an average of 3% this year.