Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement: A Comprehensive Guide

Assurance IQ has agreed to a $21.875 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This settlement, while substantial, does not come with an admission of wrongdoing by Assurance IQ. Below is a detailed overview of the settlement, eligibility criteria, how to file a claim, and the broader implications for consumers and businesses.

What is Assurance IQ?

Assurance IQ is a tech company that uses data and technology to help people find and buy insurance. They offer a variety of insurance products, such as life, health, and auto insurance. By connecting consumers with licensed insurance agents, Assurance IQ makes it easier for individuals to get the coverage they need.

What is TCPA?

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a law from 1991 designed to address problems related to telemarketing. This includes issues like automated calls, prerecorded messages, text messages, and unsolicited faxes. The TCPA’s goal is to protect consumers from unwanted marketing practices. Under this law, companies must get written permission from individuals before sending them marketing messages.

Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement

Assurance IQ is an online marketplace that offers health insurance quotations from various insurance companies. The company consented to the $21.875 million TCPA settlement to end the class-action case. Here are the critical dates and details:

• Claim Form Submission Deadline: Wednesday, July 31, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Key Points of the Settlement

Settlement Amount	$21.875 million
Admittance of Misconduct	None
Eligibility for Class Members	Equal share of the net settlement amount

Important Dates

• Objections and Exclusions Deadline: July 31, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: September 3, 2024

Potential Payouts

The actual payout amount per claimant will depend on the number of valid claims submitted. As of now, there are no specific payment estimates available.

Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement Amount

Assurance IQ’s settlement agreement, totaling $21.875 million, will be distributed among the class members who submit valid claims. The exact amount each class member receives will depend on the total number of claims. Here is a summary:

Settlement Fund	Projected Payout per Class Member
$21,875,000	$167 to $33 (estimate)

The court will finalize the approval of the settlement on September 3, 2024. Once approved, Assurance IQ will establish a fund from which eligible class members can receive compensation.

How to Claim for Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement?

To file a claim, follow these steps:

Confirm Eligibility	Ensure you received unsolicited telemarketing calls from Assurance IQ without prior express consent during the specified period.
Visit the Official Settlement Website	Go to Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement and fill out the online claim form.
Complete the Claim Form	Provide required details, including your contact information and specifics of the unsolicited calls received.
Submit the Claim Form	Submit the completed claim form online before the specified deadline of July 31, 2024.
Confirmation	After submission, you will receive a confirmation and further instructions regarding your claim.

Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement Eligibility

In order to qualify for payment under the terms of the Assurance IQ TCPA settlement, people need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Received Unsolicited Calls: Telemarketing calls from Assurance IQ without prior express consent.
• Call Period: Calls made between October 1, 2018, and March 6, 2024.
• Autodialed Calls: Calls placed using an automatic telephone dialing system (autodialer) or included prerecorded voice messages.

Implications of the Assurance IQ TCPA Settlement

For Consumers

The Assurance IQ TCPA settlement has significant implications for consumers:

Financial Compensation	Provides monetary relief to those affected by unsolicited calls.
Deterrence	Serves as a deterrent to other companies engaging in similar practices.
Business Practice Changes	Assurance IQ must improve its compliance mechanisms, aiming to prevent future TCPA violations and ensuring consumer rights are respected.

For Businesses

The settlement sends a clear message to businesses involved in telemarketing:

Compliance Importance	Highlights the necessity of complying with TCPA regulations and obtaining prior express consent for telemarketing calls.
Potential Consequences	Emphasizes the substantial financial and legal repercussions of violating the TCPA.
Compliance Programs	Encourages businesses to review and enhance their compliance programs to avoid similar legal challenges.

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

The Assurance IQ TCPA settlement contributes to the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding telemarketing practices:

• TCPA Relevance: Reinforces the ongoing relevance and enforcement of the TCPA.
• Accountability: Demonstrates the willingness of regulators and courts to hold companies accountable for consumer rights violations.

Conclusion

The Assurance IQ TCPA settlement represents a significant moment in consumer protection, providing financial relief to those affected by unsolicited telemarketing calls and reinforcing the importance of compliance with TCPA regulations. Both consumers and businesses should take note of the implications and ensure adherence to legal standards.

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