McCammon man found guilty of felony insurance fraud
Wednesday November 1, 2023Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID (November 1, 2023) – The Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) announced today that Travis Darrell Gentry of McCammon, Idaho was sentenced in Bannock County for one count of felony insurance fraud. Mr. Gentry pled guilty on July 24, 2023; his sentencing was held October 30, 2023.
In July 2022, Gentry made a fraudulent claim to Progressive Northwestern Insurance Company (Progressive) for damage to his Ford F150 that existed when he purchased the vehicle approximately two weeks earlier. Gentry said a deer struck his truck; however, 360-degree showroom photos from the online auto-auction where he bought the truck showed the preexisting damage identical to the damage he was reporting.
When asked by Progressive about preexisting damage, Gentry said there was none during recorded phone calls. When asked by Progressive if he filed a police report, Gentry said he did so through Bannock County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). BCSO and other area police agencies had no record of the collision. Progressive denied coverage, and no money was paid; however, Progressive reported an approximate exposure amount between $3,000.00 and $4,000.00.
On August 15, 2022, Progressive referred the matter to the Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) for further investigation, which led to Mr. Gentry’s prosecution.
Gentry was sentenced to three years in prison (one year fixed), which was suspended. He was placed on three years of supervised felony probation and ordered 40 hours of community service, a healthy thinking class, a $500.00 fine, and restitution of $204.00 to DOI.
“Insurance fraud is a serious crime that costs all Idahoans higher premiums,” said Director Dean L. Cameron. “This case was successful because of the hard work of our fraud investigations team, and Progressive’s investigating questionable claims.”
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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.