Connecticut House Bill HB07266

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/19
• Refer: 2/28/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Deviations From Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Guidelines, Procedures, Recommendations And Service Bulletins.

Impact

The enactment of HB 07266 will strengthen consumer rights by ensuring that customers have a clear understanding of their options when choosing a vehicle repair shop. Repair shops will be mandated to obtain explicit written consent from customers before performing any repairs that deviate from standard procedures. This legislation is likely to increase transparency and trust in the relationship between consumers and repair service providers. It aligns the state's statutes with the practice of honoring original equipment manufacturer guidelines designed to uphold vehicle safety and performance standards.

Summary

House Bill 07266 aims to regulate practices concerning deviations from motor vehicle collision repair guidelines and procedures established by vehicle manufacturers. The bill stipulates that no motor vehicle insurance policy in Connecticut can require repair shops to deviate from these manufacturer guidelines unless written authorization is obtained from the customer. Repair shops are prohibited from charging for work done without a customer's consent and must provide a written estimate of costs before proceeding with repairs.

Contention

Despite the bill's consumer protection intentions, there are notable points of contention among stakeholders. Opponents may argue that such regulations could impose additional administrative burdens on repair shops, potentially leading to increased costs for operations. Supporters, however, contend that the bill merely aligns existing consumer rights with practical guidelines, advocating for greater accountability and adherence to safety standards in vehicle repairs. The debate centers around the balance between consumer protection and the operational freedom of motor vehicle repair service providers.