GoAuto Insurance Co. $17.7M Louisiana Total Loss Settlement

Drivers with a GoAuto Insurance Co. policy in Louisiana with comprehensive and/or collision coverage and whose vehicle was declared a total loss between May 16, 2012, and May 13, 2024, may qualify to claim compensation for unpaid sales tax and transfer fees from a class action settlement.

GoAuto Insurance Co. agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged GoAuto failed to include required state sales tax, registration and tag fees, title fees, and regulatory fees in the actual cash value payments for vehicles declared total losses under its Louisiana auto insurance policies.

Who is eligible for a GoAuto payment?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They are a Louisiana resident.
• They were insured under a GoAuto motor vehicle policy in Louisiana with comprehensive and/or collision coverage.
• They submitted a first-party physical damage claim for a covered vehicle.
• Their claim was adjusted as a total loss and resulted in a total-loss payment from GoAuto between May 16, 2012, and May 13, 2024.
• They did not retain the salvage vehicle.
• The payment they received did not include the full amounts for sales tax, title fees and/or regulatory fees.

How much is the insurance payout?

Eligible class members can receive payment for unpaid sales tax and transfer fees that should have been included in their total loss claim payment. The payment amount is based on:

• The full amount of sales tax based on the garage location and date of loss, or the average tax rate for the state
• All covered transfer fees (including title, handling and plate fees) reasonably necessary to purchase a replacement vehicle in Louisiana
• The class member's share of attorneys’ fees and costs

How to claim a class action rebate

Class members can file a claim online or download and print a PDF claim form to complete and mail to the settlement administrator. Claims forms must be submitted or postmarked by Sept. 11, 2025.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Ardoin Total Loss Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 3748, Portland, OR 97208-3748

Proof and documentation required

All claimants must provide their GoAuto policy number or GoAuto total loss claim number.

To file an online claim, class members must provide the unique ID and PIN from their settlement notice

Payout options

The settlement administrator will distribute payments via paper check to the address provided on the class member's claim form.

$17.7 million total loss settlement fund breakdown

The $17,678,432 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administrator's costs: To be determined
• Attorneys' fees and costs: Up to $3,500,000
• Service award to class representative: Up to $10,000
• Payments to eligible class members: Remaining funds after the above

Important dates

• Exclusion deadline: July 12, 2025
• Final approval hearing: Aug. 11, 2025
• Claim deadline: Sept. 11, 2025

When is the Ardoin v. GoAuto Insurance Co. payout date?

Payments will be issued approximately 150 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged GoAuto Insurance Co. failed to pay required sales tax and transfer fees to policyholders whose vehicles were declared total losses. The plaintiff claimed GoAuto did not comply with Louisiana law regarding these payments.

GoAuto denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid further litigation and expense.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement agreement
3. Settlement FAQ