You asked what the process is by which a person can be reimbursed for unnecessary car repairs performed because of an inaccurate emissions result caused by a testing software problem.

SUMMARY

Some vehicles wrongly failed the Connecticut emissions test because of a recent software error that provided an incorrect hydrocarbon result. If a vehicle owner had unnecessary repairs done, Agbar Technologies, Inc. will reimburse the costs. The owner must submit a completed claim form and repair receipts to Agbar. Agbar will mail letters, claim forms, and stamped, addressed envelopes to those affected.

EMISSIONS SOFTWARE ERROR

Recently, the Department of Motor Vehicles and Agbar Technologies, Inc. , identified a software problem in the emissions testing process that may have caused some vehicles to fail the emissions test because of an incorrect hydrocarbon result. Working in conjunction with the department, Agbar reviewed all data and determined which vehicles incorrectly failed. This analysis revealed that the problem occurred on specific dates and times only. As a result, some vehicles that Abgar initially thought to have been impacted were not.

LETTERS OF EXPLANATION

Agbar is mailing letters of explanation to all owners of vehicles that it initially thought to have been impacted (roughly 13,000). One of two letters will be sent based on whether the emissions failure was because of the software problem. A copy of each letter is enclosed.

Failed Test Result Was Correct

If Agbar determined that the vehicle was tested properly, a letter explaining the situation will be mailed to the vehicle owner. The letter will indicate that the failed emissions test result will stand. Therefore, no reimbursements will be provided for any vehicle repairs. Over 9,000 vehicle owners fall into this category.

Failed Test Result Was Wrong

If Agbar determined that the vehicle failed the emissions test because of the software anomaly, it will change the test result to “pass” in the system for this test cycle and will reimburse the cost of any unnecessary emissions-related hydrocarbon vehicle repairs performed. Approximately 3,900 vehicle owners fall into this category.

To obtain reimbursement, the owner needs to complete the claim form for diagnostic test and repairs reimbursement, which will be an attachment to the letter from Agbar. The owner needs to mail the completed claim form, along with receipts from the shop where the repairs were made, to Agbar in the stamped, addressed envelope provided.

QUESTIONS

Please direct questions regarding the emissions process, the software anomaly, or reimbursement procedures to Agbar via the emissions hotline: (888) 828-8399.

JB: nf