A recent class action settlement demonstrates the importance of getting what you paid for in a transaction conducted with a state agency.
On May 2, 2017, a judge granted preliminary approval for a class action settlement claiming the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles overcharged state residents for a variety of transactions. If you conducted business with the State of Indiana ever since January 1, 2002, you might qualify as a class member in the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles class action settlement.
The primary plaintiffs of the class action lawsuit asserted the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles overcharged for ID card, drivers’ license, and vehicle registration transactions. According to court documents, the lead plaintiffs want the State of Indiana to return all of the overcharged money to eligible class members.
Indy.com reported the Indian Bureau of Motor Vehicles admitted to overcharges amounting to more than $115 over the past 15 years. The agency has agreed to pay about $62 to Indiana residents. The terms of the class action settlement require the Indian Bureau of Motor Vehicles to set up a settlement fund that covers all of the overcharges made to Indian residents after mid-2006. Eligible class member payments come in the form of credit towards future transactions made with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. More than 5.5 million Indiana residents and businesses might qualify as eligible class members.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has not admitted to liability in the case and the court has not required the agency to admit to anything on paper.
What You Need To Know About The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Overcharge Class Action Settlement
According to class counsel, eligible class members “include anyone who paid one or more fees to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles for certain transactions since Jan. 1, 2002.” The potential award paid out of the class action settlement fund ranges from $1 to $50. Qualifying class members must provide an Indiana drivers’ license or Social Security number to submit a valid and timely claim form. Class members have until June 30, 2019 to submit a valid claim form. Class counsel has also stated that “for fees paid mid-2006 through 2014, refunds will automatically be applied as a credit at the Indiana BMV.” Class Members have the option to ask for an overcharge refund check by completing the class action settlement claim form.
The judge ruling on the class action settlement case Tammy Raab v. Kent W. Abernathy, et al., Case No 49D11-131-PL-038001, in the Marion County, Indiana Superior Court has scheduled the final hearing on June 19, 2017. To learn what transpired at the final hearing, visit the class action settlement website www.BMVOverchargeLitigation.com to download the transcript. The class action settlement website also presents a list of the attorneys who represent the class and defense counsels.
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