More fake auto insurance claims are being filed, what state officials want you to do

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia State Police says more people are hoping to make quick cash from insurance companies by faking crashes and insurance claims.

First Sergeant Eric Futrell with Virginia State Police told 8News insurance fraud costs Americans hundreds of millions of dollars.

Here in Virginia, Futrell said more people are taking advantage of insurance companies by faking insurance claims, faking injuries and even faking crashes.

The Insurance Fraud Program at VSP saw a 72 percent increase in investigations from 2024 to 2025. 66 people were arrested for insurance fraud in 2025.

“That's just not the way we do business in Virginia. We expect people to be honest and honor their insurance contracts, and most people do," Futrell said.

When people do not follow the law and commit insurance fraud, they could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. However, criminals are not the only ones impacted -- drivers can see increased insurance costs due to the number of fraudulent claims being paid out.

“That expensive claim that these insurance companies have to pay out only drives up the cost of insurance for law-abiding citizens," Futrell said.

Futrell encouraged all drivers to stay aware on the roads. If you are involved in a crash, you should exchange information with the other driver and call the police.

“The other party may be insisting that they would not like law enforcement, called that can be a red flag," Futrell said.

You can submit an insurance fraud tip to Virginia State Police. There is a $25,000 reward for a tip that leads to a conviction.