Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General's Statement On $15 Million Class Action Verdict That The Hartford Influenced Appraisers

November 17, 2009

"This ruling reaffirms what we already know -- when it comes to automobile repairs, insurance companies are unfairly dictating the prices and the places.

"By law, appraisers should be independent -- uninfluenced by insurance companies and their profits. A jury has agreed that The Hartford has placed undue pressure on appraisers, interfered with consumer choice on repairs and deprived consumers of independent assessments.

"When it comes to car repairs, the mantra must be: your car, your choice. This decision is a huge victory for consumers, sending a message to insurers about the consequences of putting profits over the law."