Home Depot Damage Protection Class Action: Refunds & Claims Explained
Yes — there is a class action lawsuit over Home Depot’s “damage protection” charges, and some customers may be
Yes — there is a class action lawsuit over Home Depot’s “damage protection” charges, and some customers may be able to get refunds or file claims.
What is the “damage protection” class action?
The suit — called Simmons v. Home Depot USA, Inc. — claims Home Depot automatically adds a “damage protection” fee when customers rent tools, even when they decline it. The complaint also says the system is set so the charge is default, not optional.
The lawsuit is now pending in federal court in Georgia.
What does “damage protection” do?
- It’s meant to cover damage to rented tools under “normal use.”
- The fee is a percentage of the rental cost (for example, 10% under older contracts, 15% under newer ones).
- But customers say Home Depot still charges it even when they say “no.”
- Also, when damage occurs, Home Depot sometimes denies coverage claiming abuse or misuse, leaving the renter with cost.
Who may qualify to get money back?
You might qualify if:
- You rented a tool from Home Depot under the relevant contract period.
- You were charged damage protection even though you declined it (or were not clearly asked).
- You have a contract, receipt, invoice, or record showing the charge.
- The transaction falls under the class definition (i.e. the dates, locations, and contracts the lawsuit covers).
What kinds of refunds or compensation might be available?
- A refund for damage protection fees that were wrongly charged.
- Compensation for over-charges beyond what the contract allows.
- Reimbursement for damage costs when protection was denied unfairly.
- Relief for other improper charges linked to the tool rental terms.
How to file a claim or get a refund
- Collect your documents (receipts, contracts, invoices).
- Review the contract to see what “damage protection” and damage coverage are supposed to include.
- Watch for notices sent to class members (once the court approves the class).
- Fill out a claim form when made available.
- Submit proof showing you were charged wrongly.
Things to watch out for
- There will be deadlines — missing the deadline may block your claim.
- The class definition matters — not every rental or every location may be included.
- You’ll need evidence — contracts, receipts, statements that you declined protection.
- The lawsuit is still unsettled.
