Idaho Car Owners Could Get Refund

BOISE – If you bought a vehicle service contract from US Fidelis, there could be a refund waiting for you. That’s because US Fidelis, a vehicle service contract dealer that routinely misled consumers before shutting down and filing for bankruptcy in 2010, has reached an agreement with Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and 11 other state attorneys general. The settlement resolves the Attorney General's lawsuit against US Fidelis, which also did business as National Auto Warranty Services (NAWS) and Dealer Services, for violations of Idaho's consumer protection and telemarketing laws.  The lawsuit alleged that US Fidelis misled consumers into believing their auto warranties had expired or were soon to expire and that they were being contacted by their auto manufacturer or someone else affiliated with their original vehicle warranty. Several consumers who thought they were purchasing a warranty with "bumper-to-bumper" coverage later found the contracts full of costly exemptions. The agreement, which has been approved by the bankruptcy court, provides $13 million in consumer restitution, as well as injunctive relief.  This settlement, along with a prior settlement with Warrantech, creates a $14.1 million Consumer Restitution Fund. Approximately 2,722 Idaho consumers are eligible for the refund. Via KTVB