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CCC Information Services Inc., a subsidiary of CCC Information Services Group Inc. announced July 13, 2005 it and 15 of its customers signed a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in various class action suits pending in Madison County, Illinois. The consolidated suits relate to the valuation of vehicles that have been declared total losses by insurers.

The theory of diminished value asserts that buyers choosing between two otherwise equal vehicles will select one that has not been previously damaged and repaired, even where the repairs to the other vehicle were first-rate. The parties have reached a tentative $1.725 million settlement in an action filed against Southern General Insurance Company on behalf all persons insured under an automobile insurance policy issued in Georgia by the company who made a claim for damage to their vehicle under their collision or comprehensive coverage for a loss that occurred between June 12, 1997, and February 13, 2002, or under their uninsured motorist coverage for a loss that occurred between June 12, 1999, and February 13, 2002. Though there is no claims deadline at this time, persons eligible to take part in the settlement who have not received a notification letter should act as soon as possible to alert the company of their eligibility.

Sometimes defects in automobiles show up only after months of ownership. A nationwide class action has been filed against automaker DaimlerChrysler AG and its U.S. subsidiary on behalf of owners of 1998 through 2003 model year Dodge Durangos, alleging that the vehicles have defectively-designed upper ball joints that wear prematurely and fail suddenly and violently.

The class has been certified in an action filed against State Farm Automobile Insurance Company on behalf of Nebraskans who were hurt in auto accidents, and who allege that the company overcharged them for managed care medical coverage under the guise of traditional indemnity medical coverage. The action alleges that State Farm overcharged consumers 15% to 20% for their coverage, in violation of Nebraska's Consumer Protection Act and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

If you are thinking about leasing a vehicle, or don't know if you should lease, please look into the pros and cons very carefully before making your decision. A Florida class action has been filed against auto financing company BMW Financial Services NA, LLC, on behalf of vehicle lessees who allege that the company charged them "taxes" that were actually just hidden fees to cover wear and tear, and excess mileage on the vehicles, in violation of Florida consumer protection laws and the federal Consumer Leasing Act.

If you own a Class A or Class C Fleetwood Enterprises recreational vehicle, you may need a supplemental braking system if you tow loads approaching 3,500 pounds. The parties have reached a settlement apparently valued at $8.55 million in an action filed against recreational vehicle manufacturer Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. on behalf of original owners of 1994-2000 Fleetwood Class A or Class C motor homes who still own their RVs. Claim forms must be postmarked by April 18, 2004 to be considered valid.

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