Connecticut Appellate Court Rules GEICO Complaints Against Towing Companies Protected by Litigation Privilege

The Connecticut Appellate Court has affirmed the dismissal of claims brought by four towing and auto repair businesses against Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) and two of its employees, ruling that complaints the insurer filed with the state Department of Motor Vehicles concerning nonconsensual towing and storage fees are protected by the litigation privilege. The decision in Modzelewski’s Towing & Storage, Inc. v. Government Employees Insurance Company (AC 47933) was officially released March 24.

The ruling addresses the scope of absolute immunity for statements made in connection with quasi-judicial administrative proceedings — an issue with potential implications for how insurers