Here is How To Claim Your Dieselgate Class-Action Settlement Suit Repayment

This story explores how to use the newly approved Volkswagen diesel repurchase program and tells you, frankly, it is a case of caveat emptor.

Now that the courts have approved the final Dieselgate class-action lawsuit settlement, it’s time to figure out how to file your claim. Fortunately, Volkswagen has made the process simple. As you might expect, VW wants to get going immediately. So, to help, here’s how you do it if you are eligible (340,000 are signed up right now, and it will likely grow):

1. Figure out how you are going to apply, you can go with paper, online or dial-up.
2. File your claim; for paper, use the mail; online through www.vwcourtsettlement.com, and dial-up is 844-98-CLAIM.
3. Wait for your claim’s approval.
4. Once approved, set up an appointment at a local dealership with the settlement specialist.
5. Meet with the specialist and take care of any paperwork.
6. Wait for the payment.

900 Settlement Specialists

Volkswagen has hired 900 settlement specialists. They are located in Volkswagen dealerships. VW likely them up in dealerships because this model offers yields the best support. For example, if there are rough patches, the issues can be quickly handled, keeping the program moving ahead. Here is a caveat, though, this model also offers potential abuse as the dealer may lean on those receiving repayment checks to buy new vehicles quickly.

Honestly, it is a good consideration to keep in the back of your mind. Dieselgate would never have happened VW engineers came clean at the start and admitted that they couldn’t make the diesel engines play within the rules. Because they wouldn’t play by the rules, VW left turbodiesel owners, in many cases, either without the use or diminished use of their vehicles. The engineers and company acted as if there never was a problem until the house of cards crashed in.

That was a year ago, and owners have been in a kind of limbo ever since. They could neither use their turbodiesel vehicles for trades nor could they sell them outright. Now, the fog is lifting. However, consumers should take care.

Because the settlement specialist is within a dealership, it is pretty easy for the specialist to work either with management or with a sales team to direct them toward those who are receiving settlements. Depending on the value of the vehicle at the time Dieselgate began, it is possible that some consumers might receive nearly $30,000 or more (the settlement uses the trade values established by National Auto Dealers Assn value guides in September 2015 and tacks on compensation payments that can range from $5,100 to $10,000).

Take Your Time Before You Buy

For many dealers, it is possible the ca-ching of all that guaranteed money is too great, and so they may try to work their magic with those receiving settlement checks and slam them into cars they may not want. TN suggests that you take your time and consider your options before purchasing a vehicle. Resist the sales pressures, only buying when you want to buy and what you want to drive. That is the bottom line.

Here is a look at the vehicles that are eligible for the Dieselgate class-action settlement suit payments:

VW Beetle VW Golf VW Jetta VW Passat Audi A3
2013- 2015 2010-2015 2009-2015 2012-2015 2010-2013; 2015