Connecticut Senate Bill SB00203

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/12
• Refer: 2/22/12

Caption

An Act Requiring Payment For Diminution Of Value Under An Automobile Liability Insurance Policy.

Impact

The impact of SB00203 will resonate significantly within the insurance industry and among vehicle owners, especially those who find themselves involved in automobile accidents. By mandating the inclusion of diminished value in liability payments, the bill aims to provide fairer compensation to victims of car accidents. This could potentially increase claims against automobile liability insurers by ensuring that claimants receive a more comprehensive settlement that reflects the true economic impact of the accident on their vehicle's value. It alters the traditional settlements that may have overlooked this aspect, thus prompting insurers to reconsider how they manage claims related to automobile damage.

Summary

SB00203, also known as the Act Requiring Payment For Diminution Of Value Under An Automobile Liability Insurance Policy, aims to ensure that insurers include the diminished value of a vehicle in the payments made for damages caused by an insured to a third party's motor vehicle. Under this legislation, if an insured individual is held liable for damages to another person's vehicle, the insurance company must compensate the third party not only for the repair costs but also for the reduction in the vehicle's value due to the accident. This piece of legislation provides clear guidelines for how this diminished value should be calculated, mandating that insurers utilize recognized industry standards and resources in their valuation processes.

Contention

As with many legislative proposals in the insurance domain, SB00203 may elicit varying opinions depending on one’s position in the insurance ecosystem. Supporters of the bill argue that victims should rightfully be compensated not only for repairs but also for the loss in value of their vehicles. However, insurance companies may view this requirement as an added financial burden that complicates the claims process and increases settlement costs. The need for standardized valuation methods may also lead to debates around what constitutes acceptable valuation sources, affecting how settlements are negotiated in practice.