Connecticut House OKs Bill Banning Steering of Customers by Repair Shops

Connecticut lawmakers are advancing a proposal to expand a ban on auto damage appraisers steering customers to specific repair shops to include glass repairs.

The bill was passed 107-to-38 by the House of Representatives, and now moves to the Senate.

The legislation would require an insurance company or third-party claims administrator to inform customers of their right to choose where to have their vehicle’s glass repaired.

It would also require an insurance company that refers customers to a glass shop owned by the company to provide the name of at least one other local glass shop.

Rep. Robert Megna, D-New Haven, co-chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, said the legislation would provide consumers with choice and help mom-and-pop shops that conduct glass repair.