FRESNO — On February 26, 2020, the California Department of Insurance announced that charges have been filed against Rashpal Virk, 57, and his son, Arwinder Virk, 26, for auto insurance fraud after the pair allegedly falsified an insurance claim in order to receive a 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 allegedly falsified details of how and when the accident and damage to the F-150 occurred. Both Rashpal and his son, Arwinder, allegedly made false statements in an attempt to receive an undeserved insurance payout of approximately $28,000.

“Insurance fraud costs all of us money in higher premiums,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.   “California Department of Insurance investigators and detectives are among the best in investigating insurance fraud, of all types.  Criminals who commit insurance fraud should take note of this, because they will be caught.”