Harter v Auto Europe, LLC
Auto Europe, LLC Reaches $300,000 Settlement With Car Renters For Failing to Disclose Value Added Taxes
The parties have reached a tentative settlement apparently valued at $300,000 in a class action against car rental booking agency Auto Europe, LLC on behalf of all persons who rented cars for use in Europe either directly from the company or through a travel agent, during the period July 1, 1998, through June 30, 2001. The action alleges that Auto Europe rented cars to consumers for use in Europe and misled them by failing to properly disclose the amount of Value Added Tax (VAT) that the consumers were being charged, in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. To participate in the settlement, claimants must submit a proof of claim form on or before January 13, 2004.
Each claimant will receive a coupon for $10 off any future European car rental booked directly with Auto Europe prior to December 31, 2005. There are no other restrictions on the coupons. Persons who received a car rental through Auto Europe as a part of a travel package are not eligible to take part in this settlement. Proof of claim forms may be found at the settlement website.
The settlement will not be effective until the court grants it final approval. The court has scheduled a hearing on the matter for October 20, 2003.
