KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT: Check Your VIN — Claim Up to $400!

 

Did you own or lease a 2016–2017 Kia Optima or 2017 Kia Sportage? If you paid to repair a qualifying failed window regulator, you could be eligible for up to $400 per repair — or, if you still own/lease the vehicle, a $40 Kia Dealer Service Card.

CLAIM DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2026

Don't guess whether your Kia qualifies. Check the VIN!

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CHECK YOUR VIN → FILE YOUR CLAIM

STEP 1: CHECK YOUR VIN

Use the official settlement site for VIN Lookup. Check to see whether your vehicle is included. You'll need your vehicle's 17-character VIN.

Find the VIN on your:

• Driver-side dashboard
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance paperwork

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STEP 2: FIND YOUR CLASS MEMBER ID

If you received a settlement notice, look for your Class Member ID on the notice.

Lost your notice? Contact the Settlement Administrator or call 1-(833)-930-0988 to ask about your claim information.

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STEP 3: GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS

If you're requesting repair reimbursement, have:

·         VIN

·         Class Member ID

·         Repair invoice/order

·         Repair date

·         Mileage when the repair occurred

·         Amount you paid

·         Proof of payment

If you're requesting the $40 Dealer Service Card, you'll need documentation showing that you currently own or lease the eligible Kia.

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HOW MUCH COULD YOU GET?

For qualifying out-of-pocket repairs, reimbursement depends on the vehicle's mileage when the window-regulator failure occurred:

Mileage	Potential Reimbursement
Under 35,000	100% — up to $400
35,001–55,000	80% — up to $320
55,001–75,000	60% — up to $240
75,001–125,000	45% — up to $180
125,001+	40% — up to $160

Up to four qualifying window-regulator replacements may be eligible per VIN, subject to the settlement's rules.

OR...

Current owners/lessees may choose a $40 Kia Dealer Service Card instead of repair reimbursement.

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STEP 4: FILE YOUR CLAIM

FILE YOUR CLAIM ONLINE

Enter your information, provide your VIN and Class Member ID, select your benefit, upload your supporting documents, review everything carefully, and submit.

Save a copy of your completed claim and supporting documents!

You can also mail a completed claim form.

Mailed claims must be postmarked by November 23, 2026.

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DON'T MISS THE DEADLINE

NOVEMBER 23, 2026

The settlement has received preliminary approval, but final approval is still pending. The current Final Approval Hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2027.

That doesn't mean you should wait.

If you believe you qualify, check your VIN and submit your claim before the deadline.

Reference - https://openclassactions.com/settlements/kia-window-regulator-class-action-settlement.php

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OFFICIAL KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT WEBSITE INCLUDES THESE LINKS…

CHECK YOUR VIN — Official VIN Lookup

FILE A CLAIM — Official Claim Form

THE OFFICIAL FAQ

KIA WINDOW REGULATOR SETTLEMENT WEBSITE

Not Affiliated with Kia or Any Publisher in this Blog...

FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only...

IT'S OFFICIAL! USA Star Folarin Balogun Has Been Cleared To Play on Monday July 6, 2026 World Cup Match vs. Belgium

USA star Folarin Balogun is available to play in Monday's World Cup match against Belgium after his 1-game red card ban is suspended.https://t.co/BPM2ge6v7N pic.twitter.com/BBwpTFrypJ

— CNN (@CNN) July 5, 2026

The United States vs. Belgium FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match is scheduled for:

• Date: Monday, July 6, 2026

• kickoff: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central (Arkansas) / 5:00 PM Pacific

• Location: Lumen Field (officially referred to by FIFA as Seattle Stadium) in Seattle.

The match will be televised on FOX and streamed through FOX's streaming platforms.

With Folarin Balogun now eligible to play, this has become one of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches of the tournament. 

A victory would send the United States to the quarterfinals against the winner of Portugal vs. Spain. 
 

READING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT ON YOUR CAR - Top Five Reasons Claims May Be Denied.

LET'S DO SOMETHING REALLY UNUSUAL - LET'S TAKE TIME AND READ THE CONTRACT...

If car owners would read what is NOT COVERED (EXCLUSIONS) first, many would IMMEDIATELY reject most car warranty advertisements.

According to Deloitte Survey 90% of consumers "accept legal terms and conditions without reading them." Read a Specimen Contract of CarShield - Platinum Plan

PREFACE

Several years ago, I reviewed a CarShield sample contract after seeing thousands of customer complaints posted online. At that time, CarShield had an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau. Since then, CarShield has improved its BBB rating to A+, largely by responding more consistently to customer complaints and improving their complaint-resolution process.

An A+ BBB rating does not mean every repair claim is approved or that every customer is happy. It simply means the company has improved how it handles complaints according to BBB standards.

After reading the contract, I've reached the same conclusion I reported back in 2022:

The most important document is not the television commercial - it's the contract.

Almost every denied claim refers to language found in the service agreement. Many disappointed customers simply did not understand... 1) what was covered, 2) what was excluded, and 3) what responsibilities they agreed to before purchasing the plan.

This blog is a quick review of the "Top Five Reasons Claims May Be Denied." It will also help you understand the contract well enough to make an informed decision before spending your money.

This blog is not intended to tell you whether to buy an extended warranty plan or avoid it.

Top Five Reasons Extended Warranty Claims May Be Denied...

1. Incorrectly Filing a Claim Described by the Manufacturer as Normal Maintenance Services - CarShield will not pay for maintenance services that car owners are responsible for, such as - wheel alignment, wheel balancing, tuneups, spark plugs, hoses, belts, wiper blades, brake pads, brake shoes, drums or rotors. 

Maintenance items are not mechanical breakdowns. Most service contracts cover mechanical failures, not wear-and-tear components. See EXCLUSIONS, Part C page 11.

2. Pre-existing Conditions - This is probably the biggest misunderstanding for customers. If your vehicle already has symptoms before coverage begins - such as: check engine light, ABS light, transmission slipping, engine knocking, engine overheating, coolant leaks, hard starting, oil leaks, engine smoking at the tailpipe, suspension noises and others - then, the administrator may determine the failure existed before your contract became effective. No vehicle service contract wants to insure something that is already broken.

See EXCLUSIONS, Part N page 12.

3. Lack of Normal Maintenance as Required by the Manufacturer - Do you follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle?

The maintenance schedule for your vehicle is found in the owner's manual. You may want to reconsider signing-up for an extended warranty plan if you do not follow a maintenance schedule for your vehicle.

A covered part is not automatically a covered claim. Coverage depends on whether the cause of the failure meets the terms and conditions of the contract.

Example: A Water Pump Failure - You Assume your Vehicle is Covered Under the Service Contract. The water pump itself may be covered. However, suppose the cooling system had not been maintained according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

The coolant had never been replaced, the radiator hoses were cracked and leaking, or the system had been operated while overheating. If the administrator determines the water pump failed because of neglected maintenance or because the vehicle continued to be operated after overheating, the claim may be denied - even though the water pump is normally a covered component.

You should therefore read both the Covered Components section and the Exclusions section equally.

If the contract requires maintenance according to the manufacturer's schedule, you should keep receipts and invoices, record mileage, and document with dates when services were performed. Without documentation, it can become difficult to prove that your vehicle was properly maintained.

READ the contract and avoid surprising loopholes.
See EXCLUSIONS, Part F page 11.

4. Damage Due to Continued Operation - If you notice your engine TEMP gauge indicating HOT and your vehicle begins steaming under the hood, your extended warranty expects you to pull over IMMEDIATELY and shut the engine OFF. You should contact their 800 number  and follow the emergency assistance procedures offered under the contract.

If you drive the vehicle for any length of time; to the next exit; or try to make it home or to the nearest authorized shop - your claim may be denied because of CONTINUED OPERATION.

Most contracts exclude damage caused by continued operation after obvious warning signs. See EXCLUSIONS, Part K page 12

5. Understanding the Claims Process and Giving Authorization for Diagnosis and Tear-downs. 

Many consumers think they can simply take the vehicle to a repair shop and hand over their warranty card. That is not how most vehicle service contracts work.

Usually:

• the repair shop diagnoses the problem,
• the administrator authorizes covered repairs,
• inspection may be required,
• the shop proceeds after approval.

If the repair is not covered, the customer is generally responsible for diagnostic charges.

The contract clearly states that you must authorized the repair before filing a claim to determine if the repair is covered by the warranty. You also agree to pay for "this inspection to diagnose the problem."

This statement insures the repair facility get paid for their service and that CarShield will not be responsible for repairs that are not covered. 

Read the contract and understand your responsibility... 
See What to Do in Event of a Failure, No. 4-7 page 8

Here's My Final Comments: My opinion hasn't changed over the past few years. I believe the best investment for most vehicle owners is keeping up with routine maintenance. A well-maintained vehicle often avoids many of the expensive repairs that people hope an extended service contract will cover. 

An extended service contract is not a substitute for routine maintenance. Even if you purchase coverage, you are still responsible for maintaining the vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Save your money and pay for only ONE - routine maintenance. 

Have a great day and keep your eyes on your money. 

 
Before Buying Any Extended Warranty, Ask Questions... 
What are the exclusions?  Is there a waiting period? Is there a deductible? Can I choose my own repair shop? Who pays for diagnosis if the claim is denied? 

Not affiliated with CarShield or any extended warranty company...
Freestuffinder.org is for informational use only and is not intended as a repair guide or for legal advice....

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES OF PEACE - Wisdom, Unity, Love and Truth

 

Image Created with Help from ChatGPT

If peace is power under control… then chaos is wisdom acting a fool.  

Russellville Spring Cruise Night Is Back! — Saturday, May 23, 2026

To Open, Follow this Facebook Link - (Click Here Now)

Russellville Tourism & Visitor Center has officially announced that Spring Cruise Night is back for 2026! Russellville Spring Cruise Night returns Saturday night with classic cars, cruisers, music, food, and family-friendly fun!

Time: Cruise night runs into the evening, starting at 6:00 PM from late afternoon through the night, with the main activity after sunset.

Location: Downtown Russellville - cruising up and down Arkansas Avenue.

Highlights:

Classic & custom cars cruising the streets
Good music setting the tone for the evening
Local food & treats - snacks and drinks likely available nearby (food trucks & downtown eateries often participate)
Photo opps with vintage wheels and automotive art
Arrive early with your lawn chair - popular cruise nights fill up fast, and downtown spots are prime.

Bring the entire family - cruise nights are casual and family-friendly!

Not Affiliated with  Russellville Tourism or Any Vendor...

FreeStuffinder is for Informational Use Only...

$68 MILLION GOOGLE ASSISTANT PRIVACY Class Action Settlement — What You Need to Know

A major lawsuit - originally titled In re Google Assistant Privacy Litigation - accused Google of allowing its Google Assistant - enabled products to capture and transmit private conversations without users’ consent. The case centered on devices such as Google Home speakers, Nest Hub displays, and Pixel phones.

Why the Lawsuit Happened

Consumers claimed these devices were activating and recording audio even when users did not say the wake command (“Hey Google”). This problem, known as “false accepts,” occurs when a device mistakenly interprets background speech as the hot word and begins capturing audio automatically.

Plaintiffs argued these unintended recordings were then sent to Google's servers, violating user privacy. While Google denied wrongdoing, it agreed to a $68 million settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a trial.

Deadline to File a Claim: August 27, 2026

Who Qualifies for a Payment?

The nationwide settlement includes two groups of eligible claimants:

1. Purchaser Class

Anyone who bought a Google-made device with Google Assistant between May 18, 2016 and March 19, 2026 (the date the court granted preliminary approval).

2. Privacy Class

Anyone who used (or lived in a household with) a Google Assistant device during the same period and had their voice recorded or transmitted, even if they did not purchase the device themselves.

How Much Can Claimants Receive?

The settlement uses a points-based payout system:

Device Owners (Purchaser Class)

• Up to 4 points per device, for up to 3 devices
• Estimated payout: $18–$56 per device, depending on the number of approved claims

Privacy-Only Claimants

• 1 point if you didn’t own a device but were recorded
• Estimated payout: $2–$10

How to File a Claim

The court-approved claims website is:

GoogleAssistantPrivacyLitigation.com

Filing Options

You can submit a claim in two ways:

Online - Use the Unique ID and PIN included in your Notice to file quickly.

By Mail - Download and print the claim form from the website, then mail it to the address listed there.

Didn’t Receive a Notice?

You can still file. The claims website includes instructions for people who:

• Did not get a Unique ID and PIN
• Lost their Notice
• Believe they qualify based on device ownership or usage

Payment Methods

During the filing process, you can choose:

• Direct Deposit (ACH)
• Zelle

If Google identified you as a potential class member, your Notice should already contain your Unique ID and PIN.

Deadline to File a Claim: August 27, 2026

References

Here are the sources this summary is based on:

• ClassAction.org — Google Assistant $68M Settlement
• TopClassActions.com — Google Settles for $68M
• Reddit discussion of Reuters coverage

Not Affiliated with Any Vendor in this Blog... 

Some Information Provided byy ChatGPT... 

$2.4 Million Anne Arundel Data Breach Class Action Settlement

If you were a patient or visited Anne Arundel Dermatology, P.A for services, your personal information may have been impacted by a data security incident.

Here's an important class action settlement that resolves claims that unauthorized third parties accessed its systems between February 14, 2025 and May 13, 2025, potentially exposing personally identifiable and protected health information. 

A federal court in Maryland is overseeing the case.

Who’s Included?

You are part of the Settlement Class if you’re a U.S. resident whose personal information – including contact details or health information – was collected by Anne Arundel Dermatology on or before December 9, 2025. There are approximately 1.9 million class members.

What You Could Get

If you qualify and timely submit a valid claim by July 8, 2026, you may be eligible for:

1. Up to $5,000 for documented out-of-pocket losses related to the breach, or

2. A pro rata cash payment (estimated around $100), and

3. Three years of free medical data monitoring services to help protect against identity theft and related issues.

Claim Deadline: July 8, 2026

Opt-Out/Exclusion Deadline: June 9, 2026

Final Fairness Hearing: July 16, 2026 (the court will decide whether to approve the settlement).

 If you do nothing, you won’t get any settlement compensation and will give up certain legal rights related to this case.

File a claim

You should have received an email in early April dated with a claim ID - identifying you as a class member. Go to the official claims site and enter the Notification Claim number and complete the registration and payment forms. 

If you did not get a notification ID, follow the instructions on the claims site.

Go to the official settlement site: 

https://www.AnneArundelPrivacySettlement.com

Not affiliated with any attorney or publisher site.