VW owners: Five things to know about the $15B settlement

A federal judge in San Francisco has approved a $15 billion court settlement of most claims against Volkswagen for its emissions-cheating scandal.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer signed the order Tuesday approving the largest auto-scandal settlement in the nation's history.

Here are five things you need to know if you own of these cars:

1. The vehicles included in the settlement program include: 2013-2015 VW Bettle, 2010-2015 VW Golf, 2009-2015 VW Jetta, 2012-2015 VW Passat, and 2010-2013; 2015 Audi A3.

2. Under the terms of the settlement agreements, affected owners and lessees will be able to choose whether to accept a buyback or lease termination, according to a news release. They can also receive an approved emissions modification for their vehicle — if and when it becomes available.

3. Volkswagen will also make cash payments of $5,100 to $10,000 to affected current and certain former owners and lessees.

4. Customers with eligible vehicles may submit claims using a paper claim form (by calling 1-844-98-CLAIM) or via an online portal at www.VWCourtSettlement.com. Once a customer's claim is approved, a customer can schedule appointments with dedicated settlement specialists who have been assigned to dealership locations.

5. Volkswagen also agreed to pay $2.7 billion over three years into an environmental trust, managed by a trustee appointed by the Court, to remediate excess nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in the U.S. The company will invest $2 billion over 10 years in zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, access and awareness initiatives.

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