Felony Charges Filed for Alleged False Auto Insurance Claim in Pennsylvania

A New Britain Township man, Jack Arturo Coller, faces felony charges including insurance fraud and attempted theft for allegedly submitting a false auto insurance claim.

The claim concerned a purported hit-and-run incident involving his 2014 BMW 328i, which allegedly resulted in engine damage requiring replacement. This claim was denied after an investigation found the damage was due to mechanical failure, not a collision.

The General insurance company initially received the claim in March 2024, following a period where Coller reinstated his auto insurance after a three-month lapse. Coller reported the accident occurred in February 2024, claiming damage to his BMW's right headlight and engine after being hit by another vehicle that fled the scene.

Investigations revealed no physical collision damage to the vehicle's body. Instead, BMW diagnostics identified engine damage caused by lack of maintenance, specifically oil starvation, resulting in severe engine failure and the vehicle being deemed a total loss. Coller's statements to the insurer were inconsistent, including an inability to provide a police report or witnesses, citing probation as a reason to avoid police contact.

BMW service professionals confirmed that the type of engine damage observed was not consistent with a collision but was linked to neglect over time. Additional investigation revealed Coller had not performed recommended oil changes, and his vehicle was eventually repossessed and auctioned. Recorded calls and emails between Coller and The General reveal attempts to substantiate the claim, but key evidence did not support the collision assertion.

Coller is currently out on bail pending a preliminary hearing, highlighting regulatory enforcement against fraudulent insurance claims and the importance for insurers to perform thorough claim investigations. This case underscores the role of advanced investigative practices and vehicle diagnostics in distinguishing between accident damage and mechanical failure, impacting claims processing and risk assessment in the auto insurance industry.