Phil Smith Automotive Data Breach Settlement Offers Compensation to Affected Individuals
Phil Smith Management Inc., operating as Phil Smith Automotive Group, has agreed to a $374,632.50 class action settlement following a February 2025 data breach that exposed sensitive personal information. The breach, discovered on February 8, 2025, potentially compromised names, driver’s license or state ID numbers, and Social Security numbers of individuals notified in writing by the company.
Eligibility & Compensation
Affected individuals those who received a breach notification from Phil Smith Automotive Group may file a claim for one of three benefits:
- Up to $5,000 in documented out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., bank fees, credit monitoring costs, travel expenses) with proof of loss.
- A pro rata cash payment from the remaining settlement fund after credit monitoring costs.
- Three years of Cyberscout credit monitoring.
Claim Process & Deadlines
Claims must be submitted online or by mail by April 27, 2026, using the class member ID from the notification. Those without their ID can request it via phone (866-742-4955) or email (info@rg2claims.com). Payments will be distributed after final court approval, with options for electronic transfer or paper check.
Settlement Fund Allocation
The $374,632.50 fund covers:
- $40,000 for administration costs.
- Up to $170,975 in attorneys’ fees.
- Up to $2,500 for the class representative.
- Remaining funds for approved claims after credit monitoring expenses.
Background & Legal Context
The lawsuit alleged Phil Smith Management failed to adequately protect personal data, leading to unauthorized access. While the company denies wrongdoing, the settlement resolves claims without further litigation. A final fairness hearing is scheduled for April 29, 2026.
Source: https://www.claimdepot.com/settlements/phil-smith-data-settlement
Phil Smith Automotive Group cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/phil-smith-automotive-group
"id": "PHI1776803781",
"linkid": "phil-smith-automotive-group",
"type": "Breach",
"date": "2/2025",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'Individuals notified in writing',
'industry': 'Automotive',
'name': 'Phil Smith Management Inc. (Phil Smith '
'Automotive Group)',
'type': 'Corporation'}],
'customer_advisories': 'Written notifications to affected individuals with '
'claim instructions',
'data_breach': {'personally_identifiable_information': 'Yes',
'sensitivity_of_data': 'High',
'type_of_data_compromised': ['Names',
'Driver’s license or state ID '
'numbers',
'Social Security numbers']},
'date_detected': '2025-02-08',
'description': 'Phil Smith Management Inc., operating as Phil Smith '
'Automotive Group, has agreed to a $374,632.50 class action '
'settlement following a February 2025 data breach that exposed '
'sensitive personal information, including names, driver’s '
'license or state ID numbers, and Social Security numbers of '
'individuals notified in writing by the company.',
'impact': {'data_compromised': 'Names, driver’s license or state ID numbers, '
'Social Security numbers',
'financial_loss': '374632.50',
'identity_theft_risk': 'High',
'legal_liabilities': 'Class action settlement'},
'investigation_status': 'Settled',
'post_incident_analysis': {'root_causes': 'Alleged failure to adequately '
'protect personal data'},
'references': [{'source': 'Class action settlement notice'}],
'regulatory_compliance': {'legal_actions': 'Class action lawsuit'},
'response': {'communication_strategy': 'Written notifications to affected '
'individuals'},
'title': 'Phil Smith Automotive Data Breach Settlement',
'type': 'Data Breach'}