Connecticut House Bill HB05552

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/21
• Refer: 1/26/21

Caption

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Insurance Claims For Bodily Injuries.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05552 would significantly impact both the operational procedures of insurance providers and the experiences of policyholders dealing with bodily injury claims. Insurance agencies would need to implement systems that allow for rapid response to claims submissions, enhancing efficiency in processing and delivering necessary information to those affected by accidents. This move is intended to lessen the waiting time for claimants and provide them with quicker access to crucial financial assistance for medical expenses, thereby improving the overall customer service experience within the insurance sector.

Summary

House Bill 05552 aims to establish a requirement for insurance companies in Connecticut that issue motor vehicle insurance policies. Specifically, the bill mandates that these insurers must provide a medical payment letter within 48 hours of receiving a claim pertaining to bodily injuries covered under the policy. The purpose of this legislation is to expedite the claims process for policyholders, ensuring that they receive timely information regarding their medical payments in the event of an accident that results in injury.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB 05552, some concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of the 48-hour timeline. Opponents of the bill posited that the expedited requirement might jeopardize the thoroughness of claims evaluations, potentially leading to errors or oversights in processing claims. Insurers expressed apprehensions about the administrative costs and logistical challenges associated with overhauling existing systems to comply with this new mandate. Nonetheless, proponents argued that the bill would provide necessary protections for consumers and that the advantages of timely communication would outweigh the potential drawbacks of increased pressure on insurance companies.