BMW Totaled While Racing, But Fraudster Collects $65K On Auto Policy

Andres Hernandez, 36, of Lakewood, was arrested last week on two counts of auto insurance fraud. Hernandez allegedly totaled his BMW while racing and then provided false statements to his insurer about the location of the collision. As a result, Hernandez was paid $64,860 for the claim. "Many people make the mistake of thinking insurance fraud is a victimless white collar crime," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "The fact is all Californians pay the price for insurance fraud through higher premiums when insurers pass their losses on to policyholders."