A new law that requires disclosing to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles is now in effect in Connecticut.

The law, passed in June 2008, took effect Jan. 1, 2009 and requires insurance companies to include the following notice on all issued insurance cards:

“You have the right to choose the licensed repair shop where the damage to your motor vehicle will be repaired.” 

The notice must also appear on all estimates from insurers and shops, and it must be posted in all collision repair facilities (click HERE to read more).

The law also requires 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.

Bob Skrip, president of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC), called the law “a giant step forward” in an editorial piece published in The Day newspaper.

“It will go a long way to help educate consumers that they don’t have to be afraid of insurance companies,” Skrip said. “It’s your car, and your choice where to have it repaired.”

In his piece, Skrip encouraged consumers to “have the courage” to choose the repair facility they want to use despite what insurance companies might say.

“A good consumer should call or visit more than one repair facility to learn which shop is qualified to repair your car properly,” Skrip wrote. “This is critical when you want to maintain the value in that vehicle after the repair.”

To read Skrip’s piece in its entirety, click HERE.