BELLEVILLE — An auto repair shop filed a class-action lawsuit against State Farm for allegedly telling its customers that the plaintiff's work is substandard and steering them towards shops that provide discounts.
Classic Auto Body Inc., individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on June 20 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, alleging the insurer violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Trade Practices.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges the defendant interfered with its business expectancy by telling Classic Auto Body's customers that it does not guarantee its work and the work was substandard. The plaintiff also claims the defendant steers its customers to its customers to its preferred shops that provide discounts.
As a result, the plaintiff claims it suffered loss of customers and damage to its business reputation.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order certifying this case as a class action and appointing the plaintiff and its counsel as representatives. Classic Auto Body also seeks an injunction order enjoining the defendant form continuing to divert business from the plaintiff, award for all damages and legal fees and any further relief as the court deems just and proper.
It is represented by Alvin C. Paulson of Alvin C. Paulson, Attorneys at Law in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 18-L-439