Ada County woman sentenced for felony insurance fraud
Wednesday March 20, 2024Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID (March 20, 2024) – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced today that Alyssa Arvizu of Boise, Idaho pled guilty and was sentenced on one count of felony insurance fraud under Idaho Code 41-293(1)(c) in Ada County on March 15, 2024.
In May 2022, an Ada County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop for erratic driving by Arvizu. She fled, and the deputy had to conduct a PIT maneuver (Precision Immobilization Technique) to stop Arvizu’s vehicle. Arvizu was arrested for felony eluding a law enforcement officer and DUI.
Arvizu then filed a claim on her auto insurance policy with Dairyland Insurance (a Sentry Insurance Company), saying her vehicle was damaged by a hit-and-run driver. She did not mention her arrest or the police involvement. The estimate for repair was $10,142.47. After a friend of Arvizu’s attempted to negotiate a higher payout from Dairyland and revealed that the vehicle was involved in a police pursuit, the claim was denied.
Arvizu was sentenced to four years in prison (1 fixed, 3 indeterminate) which was suspended for four years of probation. In addition, Arvizu was ordered to pay $937 in restitution to Sentry Insurance and complete 100 hours of community service. The judge also ordered 240 days of discretionary jail time.
“Insurance fraud is never a victimless crime,” said Director Dean Cameron. “Foolish actions like these cost Idahoans their hard-earned money, causing insurance premiums to increase for everybody. I appreciate the hard work of our Fraud Investigators and the Attorney General’s Office for holding this individual’s actions accountable.”
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About the Department of Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at consumeraffairs@doi.idaho.gov.