Conn. Bill Requires Home Improvement Contractors to Have Insurance

Certain home improvement contractors in Connecticut could soon be obligated to hold liability insurance.

The Connecticut House of Representatives on Thursday voted 140-2 in favor of legislation that would require state-registered contactors with a gross annual income of $30,000 or more to purchase general commercial liability insurance coverage worth at least $500,000.

For those home improvement contractors who earn less than $30,000 from their services, they’d be required to obtain coverage worth at least $100,000.

Under the bill, which awaits Senate action, contractors who seek or renew registrations must sign a statement indicating they’ve read information provided by the Department of Consumer Protection that summarizes various laws pertaining to home improvement contractors.

Rep. David Baram said the state agency receives about 1,000 complaints annually from the public about home improvement contractors.