The Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) class action settlement provides payments to customers in California and Washington who purchased certain travel insurance or event ticket protection plans from AGA. A $19.75 million settlement fund has been established to provide cash payments to eligible class members who submit valid claim forms by the January 25, 2024 deadline.
AGA Class Action Settlement Claim Form
In 2021, a class action lawsuit was filed against AGA alleging they had illegally charged customers an “assistance fee” as part of certain travel insurance and event ticket protection plans. The lawsuit claimed that these fees were not adequately disclosed to customers at the time of purchase.
AGA denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid further litigation. The court granted the settlement preliminary approval in September 2023.
As part of the settlement, AGA has agreed to provide refunds to eligible class members in the form of cash payments. Over $19 million has been set aside in a settlement fund to provide these payments.
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Below is an overview of the key information related to participating in the AGA settlement:
- Who is eligible
- How to file a claim
- Expected payout amounts
- When payments will be issued
How to File an AGA Class Action Settlement Claim?
Class members must complete and submit a valid claim form to receive a cash payment from the settlement. The deadline to file a claim is January 25, 2024.
Here are step-by-step instructions for submitting an AGA settlement claim:
Navigating the Settlement Website:
- Go to the official settlement website at https://assistancefeesettlement.com/
- Click on the prominent “File a Claim” button
- Review the instructions and documentation requirements carefully
Providing Personal Information
- Provide your full name, mailing address, email, and phone number
- Specify your preferred method of payment (check or digital)
Submitting Supporting Documentation
- Attach documentation showing proof of your eligible purchase.
- Examples: receipts, invoices, confirmation emails.
- Documentation must clearly show:
- Your name
- Details of the plan(s) purchased
- Amounts paid
Attesting to Claim Validity
- Check box to attest that all information provided is true and accurate.
- False or fraudulent claims will result in ineligibility.
Confirming Claim Details
- Carefully review all entered information.
- Make any required corrections before submitting.
Once submitted, your claim will be reviewed by the settlement administrator. Valid claims will receive cash payments after final settlement approval.
Expected AGA Settlement Payment Amounts
The total AGA settlement fund is $19.75 million. However, the amount available for distribution to class members will depend on the total number and value of approved claims.
Below are the expected refund rates:
- California class members:
- 75% refund for plans purchased between 9/4/2016 – 7/31/2019
- 40% refund for plans purchased between 8/1/2019 – 9/30/2023
- Washington class members:
- 75% refund for plans purchased between 4/2/2018 – 4/7/2020
- 40% refund for plans purchased between 4/8/2020 – 9/30/2023
Note: Refund rates may vary across plans for class members with multiple eligible purchases depending on exact purchase dates.
While exact payment amounts are not guaranteed, class member payments may end up higher than the base refund rates above due to the fixed $19.75 million settlement fund being allocated across the total approved claims.
AGA Class Action Settlement Eligibility
The AGA settlement includes two classes:
California Class
- California residents who purchased eligible AGA travel insurance or event ticket protection plans for trips/events within CA between 9/4/2016 and 9/30/2023
Washington Class
- Washington residents who purchase eligible AGA plans for trips/events within WA between 4/2/2018 to 9/30/2023
There are no other limitations around number of plans purchased, travel carriers, etc. Any resident of California or Washington who purchased a designated plan from AGA during the specified periods is eligible.
When will Cash Payments Arrive?
Eligible class members who submit valid claim forms can expect to receive their cash payments as follows:
- Final Approval Hearing: February 22, 2024
- This hearing determines final court approval of the settlement
- Initial Payments Issued: Starting 60 days after Final Approval and settlement “Effective Date”
- Effective Date is based on process around appeals etc.
- Payments will be sent to the mailing address or digital method provided on the claim form
- Payment Completion: Within 6 months of Final Approval (assuming no appeals delay)
If the court rejects the settlement or there are lengthy appeals that overturn terms, payments will not be sent out.
Assuming court approval, class members should receive their settlement cash payments before mid-2024 via checks or digital transfers.
FAQs on AGA Class Action Settlement Claim:
Here are answers to 10 common questions about the AGA class action settlement:
- 1. Who is the settlement administrator?
The settlement administrator reviewing and processing claims is Angeion Group. They can be reached at info@AssistanceFeeSettlement.com or 888-250-6810 with any questions.
- 2. What types of plans are eligible?
Eligible insurance plans are outlined in detail in the settlement agreement but include various travel protection plans like trip/flight insurance and event ticket protection plans.
- 3. What if I lost my receipt or documentation?
You can request documentation by contacting AGA or your travel provider. If unable to obtain it, you can explain your claim form for administrator review. Limited payments based on memory may still be possible.
- 4. Can I submit a claim form by mail instead?
Yes. You can download and print the claim form from the website and mail it to AGA Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 0000, City, ST 00000
It must be postmarked by 1/25/2024.
- 5. How are cash payment amounts calculated?
Payment calculations are based on actual amounts paid. The settlement administrator will apply the applicable refund percentage rate (40% or 75%) based on your documentation. Total payments cannot exceed the amounts paid.
- 6. When will I know if my claim is approved?
You will receive email and mail notifications on the status of your claim once your submission has been reviewed. This may take 60-90 days from the final approval date.
- 7. Can I opt out and sue AGA separately?
Yes. The deadline to opt out or exclude yourself from the settlement is 1/4/2024. Opt-outs keep their rights to file a separate lawsuit but cannot claim settlement funds.
- 8. What if funds remain after all payments are issued?
If money remains in the $19.75 million settlement fund due to lower-than-anticipated claims, additional pro rata distributions can be made to class members who filed valid claims.
- 9. Do I need to prove I was impacted or harmed?
No. All valid class members who file approved claims will receive a portion of the settlement based on their eligible purchases. You do not have to prove any specific damages.
- 10. Who can I call if I have other questions?
Reach out to the settlement administrator at 888-250-6810 or info@AssistanceFeeSettlement.com. You can also call the law firms representing the class at the phone numbers listed on the settlement website.
Conclusion: Participate in the AGA Settlement!
If you purchased designated travel insurance or event protection plans from AGA during the defined class periods, file a claim form by January 25, 2024!
This is a straightforward process that requires submitting documentation of your eligible purchase(s). Compensation will be promptly issued based on the applicable refund rate for your plan(s) once the court grants final approval.
Don’t miss out on your share of the $19.75 million settlement fund! Contact the administrator with any other questions or for assistance with your claim. Act now before the approaching AGA class action settlement deadline!
