This issue with fraud is whether or not you had an intent to defraud the insurance company by destroying the crop. The actual destruction of the crop is not an issue because he can do what he wishes to his own property, but if he were to file an insurance claim stating a loss of the crop for reasons other than his own personal destruction of it, then upon a finding that it was destroyed purposely by the holder of the policy 1) The insurance company is not obligated to pay 2) While unlikely, the insurance company could seek criminal charges due to your Uncle's intent to defraud the company.