Contractors and Repair Shops in Connecticut

Home improvement contractors and salespeople must hold a certificate of registration from the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. A home improvement contract is not valid or enforceable against the owner unless it is in writing, signed by both, contains the entire agreement, the date, the contractor's name, address and registration number, a notice of the owner's three-day cancellation rights, and start and completion dates. Changes must be in writing and signed. A Home Improvement Guaranty Fund exists for certain losses.

Before doing any work, a motor vehicle repair shop must get the customer's signed written authorization on an invoice that includes a written estimate of the maximum cost of parts and labor. The shop may not charge for unauthorized work or more than the estimate without the customer's oral or written consent, and must get further consent before doing additional repairs. The final invoice must itemize parts and labor and state if used parts were supplied. If the customer asks when authorizing the work, replaced parts must be made available (warranty parts for inspection only). Shops must post signs explaining these rights and the customer's right to choose the licensed shop for collision repairs.