Updated Apr 29, 2026
MetLife to Pay $1.2 Million Settlement in New Mexico Underinsured Motorist Class Action
Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Co., known as MetLife, agreed to a $1.2 million settlement in a New Mexico class action lawsuit alleging it misrepresented underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage and improperly offset UIM claims by amounts paid by at-fault drivers. The suit covered claims and policies issued between October 1, 2010, and January 31, 2022, and included allegations of breach of contract, negligence, unfair trade practices, and violations of New Mexico law. The settlement encompasses approximately 27,000 MetLife policies in New Mexico and resolves claims related to reducing UIM payouts by the at-fault driver’s payment or failing to disclose UIM coverage limitations.
Eligibility divides class members into two groups: those whose UIM claims were offset and those who purchased UM/UIM coverage during the class period. Offset subclass members may claim up to $25,000, with a total of $360,000 allocated for these payments, while premium refund subclass members will receive partial refunds of UM/UIM premiums without needing to submit a claim. The settlement administrator requires offset subclass members to file claims by May 26, 2026, using unique IDs provided in notices, with payments made via electronic transfer or mailed checks. The $1.2 million fund also covers administration costs, attorneys’ fees, and an incentive award to the class representative.Claim Depot
Kansas Woman Sentenced to Probation for Auto Insurance Fraud
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announced that a Geary County woman has been sentenced to 24 months of probation for committing auto insurance fraud. The sentencing reflects enforcement actions taken by the state's regulatory authorities to address fraud and uphold the integrity of the insurance market.Insurance Journal
The probation sentence underscores the state's efforts to deter fraudulent claims and maintain fair practices within the auto insurance sector, reinforcing accountability for violations discovered during prior investigations.
Michigan School District Settles First Amendment Lawsuit Over Pledge of Allegiance Incident
A suburban Detroit school district settled a civil rights lawsuit filed by a teenager who alleged she was mistreated after refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The lawsuit, filed after the January 2025 incident, detailed how the student's teacher admonished her and said she was being disrespectful for declining to participate in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. The teacher reportedly told the student, “Since you live in this country and enjoy its freedom, if you don’t like it, you should go back to your country.” The student experienced emotional distress including nightmares and strained friendships as a result of the episode.
Under the settlement, the Plymouth-Canton school district committed to providing First Amendment training to staff and agreed to remove any record in the student’s file suggesting her actions violated school policy. Additionally, an insurance company compensated the student with a $10,000 payment on the teacher's behalf, though the district did not admit liability. The school superintendent recognized the student's courage in speaking out, emphasizing the district’s goal of maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment for all students.
Oregon’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Revealed for Various Driver Profiles
A Wall Street Journal analysis identified Progressive and Travelers as Oregon’s lowest-cost car insurers for full coverage in 2026, with monthly premiums averaging $108 and $109 respectively. For those seeking minimum coverage, Travelers leads at $56 per month, closely followed by USAA at $59, although USAA is restricted to military community members. Among drivers with recent at-fault accidents, Travelers offers the cheapest rates at $147 monthly, while Oregon Mutual ranks second at $150. Progressive stands out for lower rates in high-risk categories such as speeding tickets ($139) and DUIs ($124).
Credit score impacts are notably significant in Oregon, where poor credit can increase premiums by about 140%. Oregon Mutual offers the most affordable premiums for drivers with poor credit, averaging $162 per month, well below the state average of $303. The analysis also highlighted cost variations by vehicle type, with Travelers providing the lowest rates for Ford F-150s ($107) and Honda CR-Vs ($100), and Oregon Mutual leading on Tesla Model 3s ($143).WSJ Buyside
Legal Deadlines for MetLife Class Action Offset Claims Set for May 26, 2026
Members of the offset subclass in the MetLife $1.2 million class action settlement have until May 26, 2026, to file claims for cash payments related to underinsured motorist claim offsets received between October 1, 2010, and January 31, 2022. Eligible claimants can submit their claims online using a unique ID and PIN from their settlement notice or mail a completed PDF claim form to the settlement administrator at P.O. Box 4196, Portland, OR 97208-4196. Premium refund subclass members will receive their payments automatically and do not need to submit a claim.Claim Depot