Connecticut House Bill HB05849

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Possession Of Motor Vehicles Following Constructive Total Losses.

Impact

The enactment of HB 5849 would directly impact Chapter 700 of the general statutes, which governs property and casualty insurance policies related to motor vehicles. By requiring agreement on a settlement amount prior to an insurer claiming possession of a vehicle, the bill seeks to protect consumers from potentially hasty or unfair actions by insurance companies. Furthermore, it may lead to more transparency in the settlement process, as both parties will need to reach a consensus over the value of the total loss before the vehicle is relinquished.

Summary

House Bill 5849, titled 'An Act Concerning Possession Of Motor Vehicles Following Constructive Total Losses', proposes a significant change in the process regarding the possession of motor vehicles by property and casualty insurers. Specifically, the bill seeks to prevent insurers from taking possession of a vehicle deemed a constructive total loss until there is an agreed-upon settlement amount between the insurer and the claimant, who is the policyholder. This aims to empower consumers and ensure that they are treated fairly in negotiations with their insurance companies.

Contention

While the bill is intended to protect consumers, there may be contention regarding how it will be implemented by insurers and the possible delays it could introduce in the settlement process. Insurers might argue that this requirement could prolong claims processing times, potentially leading to dissatisfaction among customers who want prompt resolutions. Additionally, there could be challenges regarding how 'constructive total loss' is defined and assessed, leading to potential disputes further complicating the settlement agreement process.