If you worked as a Farmers agent or supervising agent outside California between March 9, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2025, you may be eligible for a cash payment from a $10 million class action settlement.
This case involves claims that Farmers misclassified agents and failed to pay overtime. Depending on your situation, you may be part of one of two groups and some people must take action to receive a payment.
Why This Lawsuit Exists?
The lawsuit alleged that Farmers Insurance Exchange and related entities misclassified agents as independent contractors, failed to pay overtime and engaged in age discrimination.
The claims were brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and other laws.
Farmers denies all allegations of wrongdoing, but agreed to a $10 million settlement to resolve the case and avoid further litigation.
Who Qualifies?
There are two groups of eligible participants, and you may qualify for one or both depending on your situation.
FLSA Collective Members
You may qualify if you:
Signed a Farmers Agent Appointment Agreement or Farmers Corporate Agent Appointment Agreement that does not include an arbitration agreement
Worked as a Farmers agent or supervising agent for an incorporated Farmers agency outside California
Worked during the period March 9, 2020 – Sept. 30, 2025
FEHA Class Members
You may qualify if you:
Signed a Farmers Agent Appointment Agreement or Farmers Corporate Agent Appointment Agreement
Worked as a Farmers agent or supervising agent outside California during the same period
Had your appointment terminated through the Managing Underperforming Agents Process
Were 40 years or older at the time of termination
How Much Can You Get?
The total settlement fund is $10,000,000. It is divided between the two groups:
$5.5 million allocated to the FEHA class
$4.5 million allocated to the FLSA collective
Payments will be distributed after deductions for attorneys’ fees, service awards and settlement administration costs.
Payment calculations:
FEHA Class Members: Paid pro rata based on the number of qualifying members.
FLSA Collective Members: Paid pro rata based on the number of workweeks worked during the class period.
The settlement estimates about $6.53 million will ultimately be distributed to class members.
Your Options
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit FLSA Opt-In Form | Required for FLSA Collective Members to receive a payment. | April 9, 2026 |
| Do Nothing | FLSA members will not receive payment; FEHA members remain in the settlement. | — |
| Exclude Yourself (FEHA Class) | Do not participate and keep your right to pursue your own claims. | April 9, 2026 |
| Object to the Settlement | Tell the Court why you disagree with the settlement terms. | April 9, 2026 |
| Final Approval Hearing | Court decides whether to approve the settlement. | June 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. |
How to File a Claim?
FLSA Collective Members must submit an opt-in form to receive payment.
There is no online submission form. The completed form must be sent to the settlement administrator by mail, fax, or email.
Mail:
Ruffulo v. Farmers Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 5526
Portland, OR 97228-5526
Fax: 833-485-7489
Email: [email protected]
Payments will be issued by mailed check to the address on file and reported on IRS Form 1099.
If the settlement receives final approval and any appeals are resolved, payments are expected about 40 days after approval.
