Connecticut Coverage
CT legislators easing liability for car leasing companies
(Hartford-AP) -- Lawmakers say finance companies shouldn't be liable for accidents caused by drivers leasing their cars.
With companies threatening to stop leasing cars in Connecticut, the state Senate today passed legislation easing corporate liability.
The issue arose after an accident in Rhode Island in which a 20-year-old drove his father's leased vehicle into a parked car, paralyzing the other drive. The leasing company was handed a 28 (m)
million dollar judgment.
Lenders quickly threatened to stop writing in states with such liability laws, including Connecticut.
Under the proposed legislation, leasing companies are free of liability as long as they carry sufficient insurance.
The House passed similar legislation this session, but House lawmakers only have until the session ends at midnight Wednesday to approve the bill, or it dies.
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