BULLETIN CL-3

July 23, 1997

TO:  ALL COMPANIES LICENSED IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT TO WRITE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY AND AUTOMOBILE PHYSICAL DAMAGE INSURANCE

RE: MOTOR VEHICLE PHYSICAL DAMAGE APPRAISALS

It has come to the attention of the department that some appraisers are not leaving a copy of their appraisal with the repair shop after the vehicle has been looked at for the purpose of making an appraisal. Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies section 38a-790-4 states: The appraiser shall leave a legible copy of his appraisal with the repair shop selected to make the repairs, which appraisal shall contain the name of the insurance company ordering it, if any, the insurance file number, the number of the appraiser’s license and the proper identification number of the vehicle being inspected. All unrelated or old damage should be clearly indicated on the appraisal. (emphasis added)

The word shall in this regulation creates a mandatory requirement for the appraiser. The appraiser must, before leaving the repair shop leave a copy of his or her appraisal, including all required information, reflecting the appraisal of the damage at that point in time. The appraiser may not have completed his or her total appraisal of the damage but the copy will reflect his or her appraisal to that point. Failure to comply with this provision is a violation and will result in appropriate departmental action.