Nearly 500 Oklahomans Eligible for Restitution from State Farm Insurance

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson announced that his office is notifying 496 Oklahoma consumers who may be eligible for restitution under an agreement with State Farm Insurance, but he wants them to be wary of scams that could occur as a result of the claim filing process.

The restitution is the result of an agreement reached in January after State Farm approached attorneys general from 49 states with concerns about possible titling inaccuracies. In most states, insurance companies that take ownership of damaged vehicles must obtain “branded titles,” indicating the vehicles are “salvage” or “damaged.” State Farm’s records showed that a small number of vehicles may not have been properly titled.

“The concern was that some consumers might have unknowingly purchased ‘wrecked’ vehicles,” Edmondson said. “State Farm approached us with a plan to identify those consumers and provide restitution. We have now identified those possibly affected, and are in the process of notifying consumers who may be in line for a check.”

Edmondson said his office has received calls from consumers who have received the letter, but aren’t sure if it’s legitimate.

“In most cases, if it looks to good to be true, it probably is,” Edmondson said. “But this time, we really are sending out letters to consumers and offering some of them money. The restitution can only be attained by filling out the claim form enclosed in the letter, so it’s important to fill out that form.”

However, this will be the only letter sent regarding this money, and it will be on the attorney general’s office letterhead. Once the settlement administrator receives the claims, they will mail checks. The money will not be direct deposited, so consumers don’t need to give out bank account information. Any phone calls or other correspondence requesting that information is a scam, and consumers should not fall for it.”

The claim form included with the letter must be returned by Nov. 18, and checks should be mailed in January.