Connecticut Residents Seek Recourse After Snowplow Damages

State and local officials provide guidance on filing claims for property damage caused by snowplows

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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As snowstorms continue to hit Connecticut, residents are facing property damage from state and municipal snowplows. Officials advise residents to file claims with the appropriate plow operator's insurance, the state Department of Transportation, or their local city/town, depending on who was responsible. Residents can also file a police report if they have evidence of the incident, or submit a claim through their own insurance provider.

Why it matters

Snowplow-related property damage is an ongoing issue in Connecticut, with thousands of plows deployed across the state during winter storms. Providing clear guidance to residents on the proper channels to seek compensation can help ensure they are made whole and hold the responsible parties accountable.

The details

In one high-profile incident, the co-owner of Bareskin Beauty Bar in Middletown said her business suffered between $30,000 and $40,000 in damage after a state plow truck pushed snow into the store, breaking the window. The Department of Transportation is investigating the incident, which was captured on video. Other recent incidents include an East Lyme snowplow crash that caused 'life-threatening' injuries.

  • On January 25, 2026, approximately 650 state snowplows were deployed during a major snowstorm.
  • The Bareskin Beauty Bar incident occurred early Monday morning following the January 25th storm.

The players

Gabriella Cassone

The co-owner of Bareskin Beauty Bar in Middletown, whose business suffered $30,000-$40,000 in damage from a state snowplow incident.

Connecticut Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for deploying snowplows and investigating incidents of property damage.

New Haven Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that advises residents to file police reports if they have evidence of snowplow-related property damage.

Mary Quinn

A spokesperson for the Connecticut Insurance Department who provided guidance on the claims process for snowplow damage.

Christian Bruckhart

A spokesperson for the New Haven Police Department who advised residents on filing claims for snowplow damage.

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What they’re saying

“I was sobbing for a good hour and a half. We're still very, very upset about it.”

— Gabriella Cassone, Co-owner, Bareskin Beauty Bar (greenwichtime.com)

“In that case, the damage would be covered subject to the policy deductible, and the insurer would determine whether another party was at fault and pursue recovery, including the insured's deductible, if appropriate.”

— Mary Quinn, Spokesperson, Connecticut Insurance Department (greenwichtime.com)

What’s next

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has said it is investigating the incident at Bareskin Beauty Bar, and will determine if the state plow operator was at fault.

The takeaway

As snowstorms continue to impact Connecticut, residents need to be aware of the proper channels to seek compensation for property damage caused by state, municipal, or private snowplows. Filing claims with the responsible party's insurance, the state DOT, or local authorities can help ensure residents are made whole and hold the right parties accountable.