Motor Vehicle

The basis of the motor vehicle assessments used by the City of New Britain is the pricing procedure mandated in Section 12-71d of the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut. 

The Office of Policy and Management annually recommends that assessors use70% of  the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) guide’s retail value to assess motor vehicles 20 years of age and newer. Assessors cannot take into consideration mileage, condition or specific problems with individual vehicles.

The assessment method for vehicles older than 20 years of age is not mandated by the state.  The Assessor’s Office uses various methods to value and assess motor vehicles older than 20 years of age including but not limited to: applying appropriate depreciation based on previous year pricing or utilizing the National Automobile Association (NADA) Classic, Collectible Guide.

We will not vary from the state method or change an assessment for vehicles 20 years of age and newer. If there are any special interest vehicles over 20 years of age which are inoperable or in very poor condition, we may consider an assessment change. Please contact the Assessor's Office. In no case will an automobile assessment be less than the $200 minimum.

It is also important to note that most vehicles which are twenty-five years of age or older can be registered with a special plate at the Motor Vehicle Department. This type of registration limits the assessment on the vehicle to $500. (Connecticut General Statutes 14-20 and 12-71.)