Feb 20, 2019

PIACT offers testimony supporting bill to require contractors to maintain liability insurance

HARTFORD, Conn.—The Professional Insurance Agents of Connecticut submitted written testimony to support H.B.5425, which would require home-improvement contractors to maintain liability insurance, before the Insurance and Real Estate Committee last week. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kim Rose, D-118. While PIACT supports the bill, it would like the proposed bill to be amended so that the liability limit of $250,000 is increased to a minimum of $500,000.

“This bill protects consumers without placing an excessive burden on contractors,” said PIACT President-elect Mark Connelly, CIC. “Many home-improvement contractors purchase this affordable and easy-to-access coverage voluntarily. It protects them from large claims that would otherwise pose a huge threat to their business and possibly cause them to go bankrupt.”

Under current law, home-improvement contractors are not obligated to purchase general liability insurance to obtain or renew certification with the state. This means that homeowners can hire a certified home-improvement contractor who doesn’t have liability insurance.

“By mandating a proof of liability insurance when home-improvement contractors apply or renew their certificate of registration, this bill will help to ensure that homeowners are better protected when they hire certified contractors to do work on their homes,” said Connelly.

PIACT is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

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