It is fair to say that the 2024 legislative session did not go as planned for the Connecticut Insurance and Real Estate Committee. As previously reported—due to a short legislative session and political in-fighting—the committee failed to report out any legislation in 2024.
The 2025 Connecticut legislative session is in full swing though, bringing fresh opportunities for advocacy. As this year unfolds, PIACT is closely monitoring several bills that could significantly impact the insurance industry. These proposed measures cover a range of critical topics, including auto liability limits, underwriting practices, and premium-setting regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key bills PIACT is monitoring, and what they mean for agents, brokers and policyholders.
Auto and home insurance
H.B.6130—Increasing minimum auto liability coverage. This bill would raise Connecticut’s minimum auto liability limits to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident—a significant jump from current requirements. It also would mandate $5,000 in medical payments coverage unless the policyholder provides proof of health insurance to waive it.
Why it matters. Higher liability limits could lead to increased premiums, but they also could provide better financial protection in accidents. If this bill is passed, agents should prepare for potential client concerns about cost changes.
H.B.6131—Banning breed-based discrimination in homeowners insurance. If passed, this bill would prohibit insurers from using a homeowner’s dog breed as a factor in underwriting decisions. Many homeowners have faced higher premiums or policy denials due to owning certain breeds deemed high-risk.
Why it matters. This could level the playing field for dog owners and reduce noncoverage issues for clients. However, insurers may seek alternative ways to assess pet-related risk.
H.B.6133—Restricting drones in homeowners insurance. This bill would prohibit homeowners insurance companies from using drones for inspections or surveillance without notifying the homeowner in advance.
Why it matters. While drone technology has improved property inspections, concerns over privacy have grown. This bill would strike a balance between innovation and consumer rights.
H.B.6140—Banning credit history and race in underwriting. This bill would prohibit insurers from using credit history or race when underwriting auto or homeowners insurance policies.
Why it matters. A shift away from credit-based underwriting could impact premium calculations and risk assessment models, potentially leading to pricing adjustments for some customers.
S.B.1005—Ending geographic location pricing for premiums. If passed, insurers would no longer be able to set premium rates based on where a policyholder lives.
Why it matters. This bill could lead to pricing shifts across different areas, benefiting some homeowners and drivers while potentially increasing rates for others.
S.B.1245—An act establishing a resilient Connecticut strategy. This bill would require insurance producers, financial institutions and real estate professionals to provide various disclosure related to flood insurance and flood risk.
Why it matters. This bill would impact the responsibilities and client interactions of insurance producers directly. First, it would require producers and surplus-lines brokers to disclose the availability of flood insurance when selling personal risk insurance, which would help to ensure that clients are informed about their flood coverage options. Second, it would create new documentation requirements, as producers would be required to obtain written acknowledgment from clients about whether they choose to purchase flood insurance.
Policyholder protections and consumer rights
H.B.6136—Setting standards for child care center insurance. This bill would establish clear guidelines for insurers when adjusting premiums or terminating coverage for child day care centers due to inspection violations.
Why it matters. Child care providers may gain more stability in their coverage, while insurers would have standardized criteria for risk assessments.
H.B.6138—Requiring cancellation notices for seniors. This proposed bill would require written notice of policy cancellation for any property or casualty policyholder aged 65 or older.
Why it matters. Seniors would receive added protection from unexpected policy lapses, reducing risks of uninsured losses. If this bill is passed, agents should prepare for additional administrative processes related to these notices.
H.B.6144—Expanding resale certificate protections. This bill would extend resale certificate provisions to certain common interest communities created before Jan. 1, 1984.
Why it matters. This could clarify resale certificate requirements and improve transparency for property owners and prospective buyers in older communities.
Shifts in Connecticut’s insurance landscape
These bills represent major potential shifts in Connecticut’s insurance landscape, touching on everything from how policies are underwritten to consumer protections and business regulations.
As the legislative session progresses, PIACT will continue to monitor these proposals and to advocate for the interests of insurance professionals and policyholders.
Stay tuned for updates as these bills move through committee hearings and votes.
Take action!
Do you have thoughts on any of these proposed bills? Let PIACT know how they would impact your agency and your clients. Email govaffairs@pia.org.
Keep updated on PIACT’s legislative updates on PIA Northeast News & Media. And, review your association’s legislative priorities for 2025. Be active! Are you interested in helping your association advocate for issues that are important to the insurance industry and the insurance-buying public? Take part in PIACT’s District Office Visits program.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.
