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.