Lincoln Insurance employee finger scan $101K class action settlement

Lincoln Insurance Agency agreed to pay $101,000 to resolve class action lawsuit claims it violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by using a fingerprint clock-in system.

The class action lawsuit settlement benefits individuals who worked for Lincoln Insurance in Illinois between March 8, 2017, and July 13, 2022, and who had their biometric information collected by the company without first signing a written consent form. Current workers, former workers, temporary workers and contractors are all included under this class definition as long as their biometrics were collected.

Lincoln Insurance Agency is a Chicago-based insurer that provides automotive insurance to its customers. The company touts competitive insurance rates and quality coverage options.

According to a class action lawsuit from a worker, Lincoln Insurance Agency violated BIPA by collecting fingerprints for timekeeping purposes. The company allegedly fails to provide the proper disclosures or obtain written consent as required by BIPA.

BIPA aims to protect sensitive biometric information from theft and unlawful sharing due to the fact that these identifiers are permanent and cannot be changed once compromised. The law required companies to disclose its biometric collection policies, get prior express written consent and follow other regulations in regards to biometric retention. Failure to comply with BIPA can result in thousands of dollars in penalties.

Lincoln Insurance hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $101,000 to resolve these BIPA claims.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive an equal share of the net settlement fund after fees and costs are deducted. Exact payments will vary depending on the number of class members who participate in the settlement, but class counsel estimates payments will be around $500.

In addition to providing settlement funds, Lincoln Insurance will make changes to its policies to better disclose its biometric collection as required by BIPA. The company has agreed to provide all BIPA notices or consents required by law and/or stop using the fingerprint/handprint time clocks at issue in the class action lawsuit. 

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Sept. 2, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the Lincoln Insurance BIPA settlement is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2022.

Class members who wish to receive their payment via PayPal or Venmo must submit an election form by Sept. 2, 2022. 

Class Members have until Sept. 2, 2022, to submit a change of address form.

No claim form is required to receive a settlement payment if class members received a notice via postcard in the mail.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits individuals who worked for Lincoln Insurance in Illinois between March 8, 2017, and July 13, 2022, and who had their biometric information collected by the company without first signing a written consent form. Current workers, former workers, temporary workers and contractors are all included under this class definition as long as their biometrics were collected.

Potential Award

Approximately $500

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Election Form Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Election Form Deadline

09/02/2022

Case Name

Willoughby v. Lincoln Insurance Agency, Inc., Case No. 2022CH01917, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, County Department, Chancery Division

Final Hearing

10/04/2022

Settlement Website

LincolnInsuranceFingerPrintSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Lincoln Insurance BIPA Settlement
c/o Analytics Consulting LLC
P.O. Box 2002
Chanhassen, MN 55317-2002
info@lincolninsurancefingerprintsettlement.com
855-645-3142

Class Counsel

Philip L Fraietta
BURSOR & FISHER PA

Defense Counsel

Clifford R Perry III
LANER MUCHIN, LTD