Sarah Titterington joined specialist law firm, Horwich Farrelly, straight from a Manchester Sixth Form College in 2015, starting in the Legal Support Team aged just 18. Two years on, Sarah has a case load of over 90 files and her investigations into “crash for cash” scams have saved the law firm’s insurance industry clients an estimated £2oo,ooo this year alone. Recognising this outstanding career progression, she has been nominated for a high-profile industry award: Young Fraud Investigator of the Year, in the Insurance Fraud Awards.
Sarah works in Horwich Farrelly’s counter-fraud team, helping to co-ordinate the firm’s strategies for dealing with fraudulent or staged accidents and bogus passenger claims. Many of her cases involve drivers deliberately causing collisions before submitting false claims for damage, personal injury and other associated costs – all of which drive up the cost of car insurance for honest drivers.
Sarah commented, “The issue of fraud is serious — affecting not only insurers, but also policy holders. By reducing the payments made on fraudulent cases, we can help to reduce the impact on the consumer. Working within one of the UKs largest specialist counter-fraud units is very exciting as well as challenging. It is a highly rewarding role, helping insurers identify and defend against suspect fraudulent claims. I am delighted to have been nominated for such a prestigious industry award.”
Horwich Farrelly’s fraud partner, Jared Mallinson, said: “It was clear from the beginning that Sarah had significant potential. The fact she has progressed so quickly isn’t a surprise; she has fully embraced Horwich Farrelly’s values, ethos, and our training, and is firmly recognised as one of the most knowledgeable fraud investigators in the firm. Her success clearly demonstrates the potential of our on-the-job training, and that the traditional law degree or even apprenticeship routes, are not the only way to a successful legal career.”
The awards, presented by leading trade publication Insurance POST and now in their 10th year, aim to recognise individuals and businesses working to combat fraud in the insurance industry. In the Young Fraud Investigator of the Year category, judges will be looking for a winner who demonstrates a strong balance of both technical understanding and investigative agility. Winners of The Insurance Fraud Awards will be announced at a ceremony at The Brewery, in London, on 4th October 2018.
