News: 2010 Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today the arrests of Fransine Marie Lopez, 26, of Napa, and Alexander J. Webster, 21, of San Jose for allegedly fraudulently reporting a collision that occurred before coverage was added to the vehicle.

"If you drive without insurance, you are breaking the law and risking fines and a suspended license," said Commissioner Poizner. "Do not compound your problems by committing insurance fraud - you will get caught, and you will be prosecuted."

Lopez, 26, self-surrendered on June 9 and Webster self-surrendered on June 16. Bail was set at $15,000 dollars for each suspect. If convicted, the subjects could face up to five years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines for each count.

The arrests were the result of an investigation conducted by CDI's Urban Auto Task Force. The investigation revealed that Lopez allegedly made inconsistent statements and material misrepresentations regarding the facts surrounding the time of an accident that occurred on

January 22, 2010. Lopez was charged with submitting a fraudulent insurance claim and Webster was charged with conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.

According to investigators, Lopez was involved in a vehicle accident on January 22, 2010 at 6:20 p.m., and allegedly purchased insurance on the same day at 7:08 p.m. Webster allegedly assisted Lopez by paying for the policy with his credit card at the scene of the accident. Webster also allegedly authorized payment for a prior outstanding balance on Lopez's lapsed policy prior to purchasing the new policy. It is alleged that Lopez then filed a claim for the accident using the insurance she just purchased. Lopez eventually confessed to investigators that she had panicked and purchased the insurance with Webster's assistance after the accident occurred.

The Urban Organized Automobile Fraud Insurance Task Force is made up investigators from the CDI, California Highway Patrol and Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

The case is being prosecuted by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office.

Commissioner Poizner oversees sixteen CDI Enforcement Branch regional offices throughout the state. Nearly 2,800 insurance fraud-related arrests have been made by CDI since Commissioner Poizner took office in 2007 - more arrests than have been made during any other three year period, under any previous insurance commissioner.