California Father and Son Charged With Auto Insurance Fraud

A father and son from California have been 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.

The charges were filed in late February against Rashpal Virk, 57, and son, Arwinder Virk, 26, both of California.

An investigation by the California Department of Insurance showed Rashpal insured his Ford F-150 with GEICO Insurance Co. Due to non-payment of premium, however, the policy lapsed in October 2018 and Rashpal’s vehicle was uninsured.

On Nov. 26, 2018, Rashpal’s other son, Yadwinder, was driving the Ford F-150 when he reportedly 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 Co.

On Nov. 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, reportedly 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.