Man Set To Receive $1 Million from Home Insurer Arrested For Fraud
Photo: Stephen Cortopassi
64-year old Stephen Cortopassi was evacuated from his Redding home on July 27, 2018 during the Carr Fire. He was informed his home and cars were destroyed.
For his home, Cortopassi was set to receive over $1 million through his property insurance, however his cars totaling a value of $43,060, only had liability insurance.
To recoup the loss of his 4 cars, Cortopassi called his insurance broker on July 28, 2018, a day after he knew his cars were gone, purchased a new policy on one of the vehicles, and added comprehensive coverage to the rest.
Cortopassi filed a claim with his car insurance three weeks after the fire, stating his cars were destroyed on August 9, 2018. Before issuing a check of $43,060 to him, Cortopassi’s insurer reported the claim to the Department of Insurance, suspecting fraud.
Cortopassi turned himself in to the Shasta county Jail on January 17, 2020. He is charged with nine felony counts of insurance fraud.
