Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance UIM Coverage Class Action Settlement
New Mexico residents who held UM/UIM auto insurance coverage with Metropolitan Direct between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022.
Who’s Eligible
You may be eligible for the Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company settlement if you:
- Had an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim reduced or “offset” by the amount paid by the at-fault driver’s insurer, for an accident that occurred between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022, under a policy issued by Metropolitan Direct; or
- Purchased a New Mexico automobile insurance policy containing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022.
Eligible States
Quick Eligibility Check
Claim Deadline
What You Need to Do to Get Paid
To get paid from the Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company settlement:
Claim Online
- Go to the online claim form on the official settlement website.
- Complete the form with your personal and policy information.
- Submit your claim by the deadline of May 26, 2026.
Claim by Mail
- Download and print the claim form from the settlement website’s Documents page, or call 1-877-239-5487 to request that the Settlement Administrator mail you a form.
- Complete and sign the claim form.
- Mail the signed form to the Vega v. Metropolitan Settlement Administrator, ensuring it is postmarked no later than May 26, 2026.
Note: If you purchased a New Mexico UM/UIM policy during the class period but did not have an offset UIM claim, you do not need to file a claim. You will automatically receive a check in the mail for a partial premium refund.
Claims will be verified by referencing Metropolitan’s business records. Only valid claims will be paid. Offset Subclass Members must have submitted an underinsured motorist coverage claim that was reduced or ‘offset’ by the amount paid by the at-fault driver between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022. Non-claiming class members receive automatic pro rata premium refunds without requiring proof of claim filing.
Settlement Payout
Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company settlement payments are up to $25,000 for class members who had an underinsured motorist claim offset between October 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022. That amount may be reduced on a pro rata basis if total valid claims exceed the funds set aside for this group. Policyholders who simply held UM/UIM coverage during the class period but did not have an offset claim will receive an automatic check in the mail. The size of that check depends on the premiums they paid, the number of class members, and how much remains in the settlement fund after paying offset claims, attorneys’ fees, and administration costs. Payments will be issued after the court grants final approval of the settlement, which is scheduled to be considered at a hearing on July 1, 2026.
- Offset Subclass Member claims: Up to $25,000 per claim
- Non-claiming class members: Pro rata premium refund from remaining Settlement Fund
- Class Counsel attorneys’ fees: Up to 33.33% of common fund plus costs and gross receipts tax
- Settlement administration costs: Approximately $110,000
- Plaintiff Incentive Compensation Award: Amount TBD from Settlement Fund
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, Margaret Vega v. Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company (Case No. 1:22-CV-616-JB-SCY), was filed in federal court in New Mexico. The plaintiff alleged that Metropolitan violated New Mexico law by misrepresenting or failing to disclose that underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits would be reduced, or “offset,” by any amounts the insured received from the at-fault driver’s liability insurer. This practice is sometimes called the “Schmick offset.” The complaint asserted claims including breach of contract, negligence, negligent misrepresentation, violations of New Mexico’s Unfair Trade Practices Act and Unfair Insurance Practices Act, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, and unjust enrichment.
Metropolitan denies all allegations and has not admitted any wrongdoing. No court has made a finding that any law was violated. The company agreed to settle to resolve the dispute without further litigation.
The $1.2 million settlement fund covers two groups: policyholders who had a UIM claim offset during the class period and can submit a claim for up to $25,000, and all other New Mexico UM/UIM policyholders during that period who will automatically receive a partial premium refund without needing to file anything. For more information, visit the official settlement website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What was the Metropolitan Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company lawsuit about?
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Case Details
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Disclaimer
The information on this website is free to access and provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. We summarise settlement information from official notices, court documents, settlement websites, administrators, and other primary sources where available.
Settlement details and deadlines may change. Always refer to the official settlement website or consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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