Phil Smith Automotive Data Breach Class Action Settlement

Danielle Toth

Editor

Published

April 21, 2026 3:55 PM

Updated

April 21, 2026

Who can file a claim?

Individuals must meet the following criteria:

They received a written notification from Phil Smith Management Inc. d/b/a Phil Smith Automotive Group stating the February 2025 security incident potentially compromised personal information.
Phil Smith Automotive Group mailed the notification directly to them.
The notification indicated that an unauthorized threat actor may have accessed individual’s sensitive information, such as name, driver’s license or state identification number, and Social Security number.

How much can class members receive?

Class members may claim one of the following benefits:

Documented out-of-pocket expenses: Up to $5,000 for losses directly resulting from the security incident. Claimants must provide documentation of actual, unreimbursed monetary losses that the data breach most likely caused. Eligible expenses include:

Unreimbursed bank fees
Long-distance phone charges
Cell phone charges (if charged by the minute)
Data charges (if based on usage)
Postage
Gasoline for local travel
Fees for credit reports, credit monitoring or identity theft insurance purchased between Feb. 8, 2025, and April 27, 2026

Alternative cash payment: In lieu of documented expenses, class members can submit a claim for a pro rata alternative cash payment in an amount to be determined by the number of claims and amount available in the net settlement fund after deducting credit monitoring costs.
Credit monitoring services: Three years of Cyberscout credit monitoring

How to claim a settlement payment

Class members can submit an online claim form or download, print and complete the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator. The claim deadline is April 27, 2026.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Phil Smith Management Settlement, c/o RG/2 Claims Administration LLC, P.O. Box 59479, Philadelphia, PA 19102-9479

What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?

All class members must provide the class member ID from the the postcard and/or email they received.
To file an online claim, class members must enter the login and password provided on the postcard and/or email they received. Those who did not receive a postcard or who no longer have it should call 866-742-4955 or email info@rg2claims.com and request that the settlement administrator provide them with this information.
To file an out-of-pocket expenses claim, class members must provide documentation, such as receipts, bills or other records showing the loss and that the breach most likely caused it.
To file an alternative cash payment or credit monitoring claim, class members need only select the appropriate option on the claim form.

Payout options

Electronic transfer (if filing online and selecting this option)
Paper check

$375,000 settlement fund

The $374,632.50 settlement fund includes:

Settlement administration costs: $40,000
Attorneys' fees: Up to $170,975
Attorneys' expenses: To be determined
Service award to class representative: Up to $2,500
Credit monitoring costs: Dependent on number of valid claims for this option
Payments to approved class members: Remaining funds after fees and costs

Important dates

Deadline for exclusion: March 27, 2026
Deadline to file a claim: April 27, 2026
Final fairness hearing: April 29, 2026

When is the Phil Smith Management settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute payments to class members after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged an unauthorized user gained access to Phil Smith Management Inc.'s systems, exposing sensitive personal information. The plaintiff claimed the company failed to adequately protect this data.

The defendant denies any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to resolve the claims. By settling, both sides avoid the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation, and class members receive compensation and credit monitoring.