Can customers sue a Connecticut business over auto-renewal or cancellation violations?
Quick answer
Likely yes, since July 1, 2026. Public Act 25-44 deleted the line saying Connecticut's auto-renewal law created no private right of action and made every violation an unfair trade practice (42-158ff(f)). CUTPA (42-110g) lets anyone with an ascertainable loss of money or property sue for actual damages, with possible punitive damages, attorneys' fees and class actions, within three years.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Unfair trade practice | Any violation of 42-158ff is an unfair trade practice under 42-110b(a) (42-158ff(f), on and after July 1, 2026) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Old bar removed | P.A. 25-44 deleted former Subsec. (e), which said the section did not create a private right of action, effective July 1, 2026 (history note to 42-158ff) | Conn. Gen. Stat. 42-158ff (2026 Supp.) |
| Who can sue | Any person who suffers an ascertainable loss of money or property as a result of a practice prohibited by 42-110b; no proof of public interest or public injury needed (42-110g(a)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| What a court can award | Actual damages; punitive damages in the court's discretion; equitable relief (42-110g(a)); costs and reasonable attorneys' fees (42-110g(d)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Class actions | Allowed on behalf of persons who are Connecticut residents or injured in Connecticut (42-110g(b)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Notice to the state | The plaintiff must mail the complaint, and any judgment, to the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Consumer Protection (42-110g(c)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Time limit | No action more than three years after the violation (42-110g(f)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Penalty | A violation is an unfair trade practice under 42-110b (42-158ff(f), July 1, 2026 text). In an Attorney General case a court may order up to $5,000 per wilful violation (42-110o(b)) | Conn. Gen. Stat. ch. 735a (CUTPA) |
| Last verified | November 2, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Is there a fixed dollar amount per customer?
No. A private CUTPA action recovers actual damages; there is no statutory minimum per violation. Punitive damages and attorneys' fees are up to the court (42-110g(a),(d)).
What counts as an ascertainable loss?
The statute requires an ascertainable loss of money or property (42-110g(a)). For an auto-renewal, an unwanted renewal charge is the obvious example; whether a given claim qualifies depends on the facts and Connecticut case law.
Does this apply to violations before July 1, 2026?
The unfair-trade-practice clause and the removal of the no-private-right line took effect July 1, 2026 (P.A. 25-44 s. 7). Whether earlier conduct can support a CUTPA claim is a question for counsel; we do not pick a side.
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What else do people ask?
Can the Attorney General also act?
Yes. In an Attorney General case a court may order up to $5,000 per wilful violation (42-110o(b)).
Can customers sue as a group?
Yes, CUTPA allows class actions (42-110g(b)).
Is there a jury?
Yes for damages, except punitive damages, fees and equitable relief, which the court decides (42-110g(g)).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.