Investigators from the California Department of Insurance say they have their hands full with fraudulent claims for stolen SUV�s, as many drivers are torching their gas hungry vehicles for insurance claims.

Experts differ as to why there has been an increase in burning SUV�s in recent months some saying it is due to high gas prices, others claiming it is due to the lack of convictions for the crime of insurance fraud.

Head of Enforcement at California�s Department of Insurance told reporters "We've talked to people who committed insurance fraud who otherwise wouldn't commit another crime� adding that insurance fraud is still a felony.

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