Auto Insurers Hit With Class Action Lawsuits Over Premiums During Pandemic

Class action lawsuits were filed in Nevada against 10 major auto insurance companies on Tuesday, contending that the companies charged excessive insurance premiums during the pandemic by failing to account for a drop in driving and crashes.

The lawsuits acknowledge that some insurers provided discounts over the emptier roads and drop in accidents and claims, but the discounts did not offer ‘any meaningful relief that actually reflects the reduction in cars on the road and reduced driving during the pandemic,’ according to the court filings.

The rates that were charged violate state law against excessive premiums, the lawsuits contend.

The lawsuits were filed on behalf of Nevada insurance customers against State Farm, USAA, Geico, Acuity, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide and Allstate.

‘The filing of a lawsuit does not substantiate the allegations within the complaint,’ State Farm, the country’s largest auto insurer, said in a statement. "We’ve recently learned about the filing, and it is premature to comment at this time.’