Roscoe,
Are those posts about your wife at the track, or....
Next time we're at a track event, we'll tell war stories about insurance fraud. I've only been in the business for 5 years, so I'm not sure if I know the case you're refering to off the top of my head. But I'm sure I saw the video, in all the training seminars I've attended. Sadly, those big cases tend to be few and far between. Most of what I investigate is rate evasion (writing a policy in the 'burbs, but actually live in the city), unlisted drivers, low impact injuries and lots and lots of thefts.
The parent company I work for writes insurance under several different companies (just like GM has Chevy, Pontiac.....). Each company used to have it's own claims dept. and investigators. That has now changed, and we have merged. I will be handling claims investigations for all companies, including Great American Specialty auto. Since my bosses know about my interest in classic cars, I volunteered to become a "specialist" in investigating classic car claims for Great American. We are one of the companies who will still insure Cobras. So there is a good chance that I will be responsible for investigating any fraud claims involving them.
As for the wife coming to the track. She came with me to Pocono when I ran there in August. But I was alone. She left early, I think she was kind of getting bored. I have to admit she actually does like cars and was having a good time checking them out. But the sitting between runs bored her. When I first brought up travelling to VIR or the Glen, I got that look. You know. Actually, her first response was "How much is this going to cost
us ?" But after further discussion (read begging), she agreed to go. But in exchange, I'll probably have to turn the trip into a mini-vacation for us.
Cranky, your list is right on. You must be experienced at that. I would have even chose the complaints in that same exact order (although I've heard if John has some early drinks, we might want to flip A and B).
Steve