Frequently Asked Questions
What is NSPII? NSPII stands for the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators. It was founded in 1983 with just a handful of charter members. Now, it has grown to over 590 members.
What is NSPII's structure? NSPII is governed by a National Board, which consists of a President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, three Board Members-At-Large, and one delegate from each state chapter.
What is NSPII's function? Unlike many local claims organizations, NSPII is not a trade association. NSPII's primary function is the education of our members on techniques and developments for the effective defense of fraudulent insurance claims.
How do you accomplish this? Each November, the Society holds a two-day Advanced Insurance Fraud Seminar with several programs designed to keep our members up-to-date on the latest in investigative techniques, changes in the law, and issues in the insurance fraud arena. In addition, we publish a newsletter three times a year chock full of information. Several state chapters hold their own seminars, and we are developing regional seminars in different areas of the country.
How large is NSPII's professional staff? NSPII employs a part-time Executive Secretary at the Society's headquarters in Ohio. All officers and members of the National Board are volunteers.
Do you operate under some type of Bylaws? Yes.
Where are your state chapters? Currently, we have state chapters in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. More chapters are in the process of being formed.
Who are your members? Most of our members consist of SIU personnel from insurance companies. However, our membership also contains a significant number of insurance fraud defense lawyers, forensic accountants, cause and origin specialists, and members of law enforcement. That's another added benefit of membership -- contact among a variety of disciplines.
You know, this sounds a lot like IASIU and other local SIU groups. There is certainly some overlap in memberships, as many people belong to more than one SIU organization. However, only NSPII provides the level of educational opportunities that our members receive in the newsletter and the annual seminar.
OK, I'm interested in forming a new chapter. How do I go about getting this off the ground? The first thing you need to do is form a local Board that will serve as a steering committee.
How do I go about finding members for a new chapter? The best source of new members are contacts you have made working SIU files -- adjusters from other carriers, insurance fraud defense attorneys, C&O specialists, forensic accountants, etc. Basically, if it's someone you use to help fight insurance fraud, it's someone we would like to see join NSPII.
What are a state chapter's responsibilities? State chapters must conduct their business in compliance with the National Bylaws and must not adopt State bylaws that are in conflict with National. State chapters must hold regular meetings and elect a slate of officers for their state Board. State chapters must communicate regularly with the National Board and contribute to the newsletter.
How often do these meetings need to be? That depends on several factors, but the short answer is whatever works for your chapter at a given time. Many large and active chapters hold meetings every quarter. Others which are newer and less developed might hold meetings twice a year. You need to consider not only the size of your membership but the geographic reach of your chapter.
What type of programming might occur at chapter meetings? Many state chapters bring in guest speakers. Some examples might be an attorney talking about recent changes in the law, a computer specialist discussing computer records fraud, or an industrial hygienist advising about types of mold. One state chapter holds an annual summer golf outing, which is always well-attended. Nearly all chapters hold their meetings in the early evening where a dinner can be served, official business conducted, followed by the speaker. The members of your chapter can tell you what they would like to see at the meetings. The important thing to keep in mind is that NSPII is an educational organization.
Based on these examples, it seems like NSPII members are primarily property adjusters. While many of our members do specialize in arson and property fraud, it is by no means exclusively so. We have a growing number of members who concentrate in bodily injury and workers compensation fraud. Many sessions at the annual seminar are on casualty fraud issues.
What kind of financial assistance is available? Once a chapter is formed, the National will return $15 of each state chapter member's dues back to the chapter. Many chapters also make a modest amount of money on dinners, golf events, and one-day seminars. The National Board is also willing to provide seed money to help get a chapter off the ground. However, it should be noted that state chapters should be financially stable and not dependent on the National Board for subsidies.
What kind of other assistance is available for a new chapter? In addition to the financial assistance noted above, the Board has two committees devoted to chapter relations and chapter development. The members of those committees have a wealth of experience to draw upon. You are also welcome to contact any member of the National Board for advice and assistance at www.nspii.com and then click on the National Board link.
OK, now I'm really interested. Is there a packet of materials I can use to start establishing a new chapter? Yes, there is. You can request one by clicking here nspii@columbus.rr.com.