The second group of individuals insured by Travelers in Pennsylvania can now file a claim without any proof of purchase. While many consumers are included in this Class, only some are eligible to take action under the settlement. The first group in the settlement has already received a notice and had the opportunity of filing a claim. The second group received a notice in late March from the settlement stating there was a mailing error.
Travelers Insurance offers a large number of insurance policies like home insurance, renters’ insurance, and auto insurance. The auto insurance of the company includes coverage for collision, liability, personal injury, and similar costs including rental cars. Irrespective of the promises made to cover rental cars in the event of a total loss, Travelers failed to offer the promised benefits to consumers. According to the class-action lawsuit, Travelers failed to pay rental car coverage for the full 30 days as promised to Pennsylvanian drivers. The plaintiffs have contended that the drivers were covered only for shorter periods.
According to the plaintiff, Travellers improperly limited the number of rental benefits or ETE coverage that were offered for a period of fewer than 30 days and failed to pay both settlement class members and the plaintiffs’ necessary amounts for ETE. Although Travelers has not admitted to any wrongdoing, and contend that they paid the complete amounts for ETE coverage, they have agreed to resolve the claims by honoring the terms of this class action settlement.
Class members are eligible for a cash payment of up to $300. The payment amount shall depend on the number of car rentals paid already by Travelers. Class members in receipt of payment for:
- 1-8 days of car rentals can recover $300.
- 9-15 days of rental car coverage can recover $200.
- 1-8 days of car rentals can recover $300.
- 9-15 days of rental car coverage can recover $200.
- 16-25 days of car rentals can receive $75.
- 26-30 days of rental car coverage can recover $30.
The last date for the settlement of Group I has already passed. These Class Members had until 25th March 2022 to file a claim, and object to or exclude themselves from the settlement. Class Members of Group II have until 27th May 2022 to file a valid claim, and object to or exclude themselves from the settlement.
The settlement, if approved will bring the litigation to an end and help both the settling defendants and the plaintiffs avoid the delay, cost, and uncertainty of moving forward in litigation to trial. The Class Members will also receive the payments due on approval of the settlement. Both the Class representatives and their attorneys believe that this settlement is in the best interest of the Class members.
The Class Counsel will request the Court for their attorney’s fees and related expenses up to a maximum of $12,10,000 which will be paid separately from the settlement funds for Class members alongside payment of $20000 to each Class Representative Marie Stechert and Kyle Stechert.
Eligibility for Making Claim: The terms of this settlement are expected to benefit individuals holding a Travelers auto insurance policy or a policy through the Travelers affiliates in Pennsylvania. They must have received rental coverage under auto rental reimbursement extended transportation expenses between one to 30 days after sustaining losses between 16th January 2011 and 28th May 2021.
Proof of Purchase: No proof of purchase is applicable.
Potential Claim Amount: Up to $300
Settlement Website: StechertClassSettlement.com
Claim Form: Stechert v. Travelers – Submit a Claim Instructions (stechertclasssettlement.com)
Deadline For Submitting Claim: 05/27/2022
Final Hearing Date: The final hearing will be held by the court on 9th June 2022 at 11:00 a.m to decide whether the settlement will be approved or not. If the settlement receives approval from the court and there are no appeals, the cheques shall be mailed to class members around 25th August 2022. The payment will be remitted after all appeals and the approval of the settlement with no possibility of further appeals.
