TDI Issues Fraud Alert on Unauthorized Dallas Agency

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) announced a fraud alert pertaining to the Aguila Insurance Agency, a Dallas-based agency charged with taking in premium payments without providing automobile insurance coverage. The agency is currently under investigation by TDI’s Fraud Unit.

The Aguila Insurance Agency operated at 5415 Maple Avenue, Suite 319, in Dallas, Texas. Gustavo Del Aguila, the sole agent, had his insurance license revoked in April 2004. The investigation is looking into allegations that Aguila is continuing to accept premium payments and solicit new business.

Consumers are advised to check to see if their auto insurance documents were issued by Aguila Insurance Agency and if so, to cease making premium payments and contact the TDI Fraud Division toll-free at (888) 327-8818.

To date the TDI fraud investigation into Aguila has allegedly revealed numerous victims. Among the many complaints received by TDI include those from consumers who have taken their cars in for repair following a collision only to learn that they had no insurance coverage. Other consumers found that they had no auto coverage when they presented their insurance cards in court following a traffic citation.

“To take people’s money and lead people to believe that they have insurance when in fact they do not is unconscionable,” said Texas Insurance Commissioner José Montemayor. “When the Department of Insurance learns of these kinds of scams, we go after them aggressively.”

All insurance agents, agencies, and companies must be licensed to operate in Texas. Consumers are encouraged to verify licenses on the TDI Web site (www.tdi.state.tx.us) or by calling TDI’s Consumer Helpline toll-free at (800) 252-3439. Consumers can report suspected fraud cases to TDI’s Fraud Unit by calling toll-free (888) 327-8818, or by using TDI’s Online Fraud Reporting form at: www.tdi.state.tx.us/fraud/onlinereport.html. Spanish-language assistance is available to callers at both of TDI’s toll-free phone numbers.