Fresno father and son charged with auto insurance fraud
News: 2020 Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Rashpal Virk, 57, and son, Arwinder Virk, 26, were charged with felony counts of auto insurance fraud after allegedly falsifying an insurance claim in order to receive an undeserved payout from an insurance company.
An investigation by the Department of Insurance revealed Rashpal insured his Ford F-150 with GEICO Insurance Company; however, due to non-payment of premium the policy lapsed in October 2018 and Rashpal's vehicle was uninsured.
On November 26, 2018, Rashpal's other son, Yadwinder, was driving the Ford F-150 when he rear-ended another vehicle causing damage to the front end of the F-150. Less than two hours after the collision, Rashpal purchased a new insurance policy with Progressive Insurance Company.
On November 29, 2018, three days after the accident occurred, Rashpal filed a claim with Progressive and falsified details of how and when the accident and damage to the F-150 occurred. Both Rashpal and his son, Arwinder, made false statements in an attempt to receive an undeserved insurance payout of approximately $28,000.
Arraignment for both suspects is set for April 21, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. at the Fresno County Superior Courthouse. This case is being prosecuted by Fresno County District Attorney’s Office Deputy District Attorney Victor Lai.
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Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
