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Financial Services Law Insights and Observations

Colorado reaches agreement with financial institution to refund $1.68 million in unused GAP fees

State Issues Auto Finance State Attorney General GAP Fees

State Issues

On September 27, the Colorado attorney general announced that a financial institution has agreed to refund approximately $1.68 million to Colorado borrowers after allegedly failing to return guaranteed automobile protection (GAP) fees that were improperly retained by the financial institution. Under Colorado law, lenders are required to automatically refund borrowers any unearned GAP payments if a borrower prepays a loan prior to maturity or a vehicle is repossessed before the loan is paid off. Under the terms of the assurance of discontinuance, the financial institution (without admitting or denying liability) has agreed to comply with all legal obligations and issue refunds to affected borrowers. The financial institution will also pay $75,000 to the AG as reimbursement for costs. The AG noted that the financial institution voluntarily provided information concerning GAP payments to Colorado borrowers, fully cooperated in good faith, and has “committed to a robust oversight system to ensure” future compliance. The AG also noted that a separate credit union is currently determining the amount of GAP refunds it owes to consumers.