full story written by the Consumers Affairs staff of the Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel newspaper at:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines


sample quote:

"There can be substantial lag times between when a car is damaged or changes owners and when that information is entered into the auto research databases, depending on the type of record and the state involved -- something that could be especially problematic if heavy hurricane seasons continue. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimated there were 250,000 to 600,000 flood-damaged cars in 2005, most from Hurricane Katrina, that unscrupulous salvage operators are cleaning up and selling as undamaged."

CARFAX SETTLEMENT

Diane C. Lade, Sun Sentinel Newspaper

February 12, 2007

Anyone who purchased a vehicle history report before Oct. 27, 2006, is eligible for free or discounted reports, or a discounted auto inspection. This does not apply to anyone who purchased a report after Oct. 27.

Those eligible can pick from four options: two free CarFax reports within one year of the suit's final approval; one free report within two years of approval; 50 percent off the regular $24.99 price for unlimited reports over 30 days within three years of final approval [not available to commercial customers]; or $20 off a vehicle inspection, usually about $100, from a CarFax-designated company.
Consumers must submit a form postmarked by May 27 to qualify. Forms can be obtained at www.westcarsettlement.com; or by leaving a message at 888-257-8216; or by writing: West v. CarFax Inc. Settlement, Settlement Administrator, PO Box 91190, Seattle, WA 98111-9290.
If you think you might sue CarFax over reports purchased during the class-action period, you must opt out of the settlement or you automatically lose your right to do so. Send a written statement referring to West v. CarFax Inc., No. 04-CV-1898, to the Settlement Administrator address listed above. Your statement must be received by March