A Connecticut bill that would require disclosure to consumers that they
have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to
their motor vehicles was approved by the state’s Senate last week.
House Bill 5152 will now go to Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell for final
approval.
If passed, the bill would require insurance companies to include the
following notice on all issued insurance cards in capital letters and
boldface type:
"YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE LICENSED REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DAMAGE TO YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED."
If passed, the bill also would require motor vehicle repair shops to
provide notice to insurers of the need for supplemental repairs and to
establish a time frame for insurers to inspect the motor vehicle prior
to commencement of such supplemental repairs.
The bill takes effect on January 1, 2009.