How much does the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement pay?

Estimated payout: Pro-rata distribution based on each class member's COI overcharges divided by total overcharges damages. The total settlement fund is $18.5M. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.

What is the claim deadline for the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement?

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 23, 2023. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.

Is the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement notice real, or a scam?

JND Legal Administration is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at phlcoisettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.

When will payments from the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement be sent?

Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for December 19, 2023; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.

Claims closedinsurance

PHL Variable Life COI Settlement

Pro-rata distribution based on each class member's COI overcharges divided by total overcharges damages

Last verified September 9, 2026Source: jndHow ClaimWatch verifies cases

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 23, 2023. You can still see what it was about and follow the case in court below. Looking for money you can still claim? Browse open settlements →

What happened

PHL Variable Insurance Company allegedly breached contracts with policy owners of Phoenix Accumulator Universal Life (PAUL) and Phoenix Estate Legacy (PEL) policies by imposing unlawful cost-of-insurance (COI) rate increases starting in August 2017. PHL denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid litigation costs and delays.

Do you qualify?

All owners of PAUL or PEL policies issued by PHL Variable Insurance Company who experienced a COI rate increase between November 5, 2017 and the monthly deduction immediately preceding the policy's first policy anniversary date falling on or after January 1, 2021.

How to file

Eligible class members automatically receive a payment by mail if entitled to one. To claim, do nothing and await payment. To exclude yourself or object to the settlement, contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-877-871-0905 or by mail at PHL Variable Life COI Settlement Administrator, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91420, Seattle, WA 98111 by the October 23, 2023 deadline.

Common questions

How much does the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement pay?: Estimated payout: Pro-rata distribution based on each class member's COI overcharges divided by total overcharges damages. The total settlement fund is $18.5M. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.
What is the claim deadline for the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement?: This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 23, 2023. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
Is the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement notice real, or a scam?: JND Legal Administration is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at phlcoisettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
When will payments from the PHL Variable Life COI Settlement be sent?: Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for December 19, 2023; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.

New to class actions?

This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.

Claim deadline: October 23, 2023
Estimated payout: Pro-rata distribution based on each class member's COI overcharges divided by total overcharges damages
Settlement fund: $18.5M
Class period: November 5, 2017 – January 1, 2021
Exclusion deadline: October 23, 2023
Final hearing: December 19, 2023
Case: Advance Trust & Life Escrow Services, LTA and James Kenney v. PHL Variable Insurance Company
Case number: 18-cv-03444-MKV
Court: S.D.N.Y.
Administrator: JND Legal Administration

Official settlement website →

Case status & court docket

Federal court in New YorkMore from New York

S.D.N.Y.

Active — filed April 19, 2018

December 18, 2025
Distribution to class
ORDER GRANTING MOTION FOR A THIRD DISTRIBUTION TO ELIGIBLE CLASS MEMBERS FROM THE NON-REVERSIONARY FUND granting 305 Motion. This matter having come before the Court on Plaintiffs' Unopposed Motion for Approval of a Third Distribution to Eli gible Class Members from the Non-Reversionary Fund, a
January 18, 2024
Final approval
FINAL JUDGMENT: NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED: 1. The capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Settlement (Dkt. 263-2), which is incorporated herein by reference. 2. The Order and Judgment sh all apply to and bind the Releasing Parties as d
December 20, 2023
Preliminary approval
ORDER APPROVING CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AND CERTIFYING THE SETTLEMENT CLASS granting 287 Motion to Approve ; granting 287 Motion to Certify Class. NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED: 1. The capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Settl

View the full court docket on CourtListener →

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