September 3, 2026
Ms. Gillen (for herself, Mr. Nehls, Mr. Gottheimer, and Mr. Fong) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 18 to include an offense for motor vehicle collision fraud, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Stop Auto Fraud Act of 2026
.
Sec. 2. Motor vehicle collision fraud
(a) Offense
(1) In general
Chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
1353. Motor vehicle collision fraud
Whoever knowingly executes, or attempts to execute, a scheme or artifice—
(1)
to cause, stage, fabricate, or simulate a motor vehicle accident; and
(2)
to submit any false, fictitious, or fraudulent claim for payment of a loss under an insurance policy, including a loss related to medical treatment, repair costs, lost wages, or lost benefits,
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both. If the violation results in serious bodily injury (as defined in section 1365 of this title), such person shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both; and if the violation results in death, such person shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both.
(2) Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(b) Criminal fines deposited in highway trust fund
Any fines collected under section 1353 of title 18, United States Code, shall be deposited into the Highway Trust Fund established by section 9503(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.