Connecticut Auto Insurance Guide

Connecticut Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

There are nearly three million licensed drivers in Connecticut, so the roads are rarely empty. According to the Insurance Research Council, roughly 12% of all CT drivers are uninsured. While this number is slightly lower than the national average (14%), it still means at least one in ten drivers you meet on the road is driving without insurance.

Auto insurance is required by law in Connecticut, and drivers who fail to secure at least the minimum amount of liability insurance are driving unlawfully. But the state minimums of coverage may not be enough. Autos are more expensive than ever, and healthcare costs continue to rise. Many Connecticut drivers are better protected with more liability insurance.

Key Takeaways

The minimum auto insurance requirements in Connecticut are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability
• $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability
• $25,000 of property damage liability
• And uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 / $50,000 bodily injury liability.

Insurance companies that operate in CT do report lapsed and canceled auto insurance policies to the CT DMV.

Introduction to Connecticut Auto Insurance Requirements

Connecticut’s auto insurance minimums exist to protect drivers financially in case of an accident. Modern autos are faster than ever, and more capable of causing damage to other people and their property.

In insurance terms, “liability” means financial responsibility. Should a driver cause an accident that injures another party, or damages their property, liability insurance helps to pay for those damages.

CT Auto Insurance Coverage Descriptions

Connecticut requires drivers to carry a minimum of liability coverage. Other coverages are available, and they may be required by your lienholder (the entity to which you make a car payment.)

• Liability insurance pays for damage you do to other people or their property, these are required by law.
• Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle if you collide with anything, whether it’s another vehicle, a tree, or a wall.
• Comprehensive coverage pays for other types of damage to your vehicle, like hail, fire, or theft.
• Glass coverage is usually available with a separate deductible because windshields are expensive and delicate.
• Other coverages you can buy include rental car aid and roadside assistance.

Connecticut Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

$25,000 Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Per Person

This coverage helps to pay for medical care for one person who is injured. Medical costs above $25,000 become the responsibility of the at-fault driver.

$50,000 Bodily Injury Liability Per Accident

This coverage will pay for bodily injury for more than one person injured in a single accident. For example, if you rear-end a vehicle and both the driver and passenger are injured, this coverage will pay up to $50,000 for their injuries.

$25,000 Property Damage

Most vehicle accidents cause some amount of property damage, whether it’s to other vehicles on the road, real estate, or another person’s belongings. This coverage pays for these damages.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist

More than 10% of the drivers on CT roads are uninsured, and some are underinsured. This coverage helps to protect yourself and your passengers in case of an accident with an uninsured driver, or a hit-and-run situation.

New Driving Laws and Regulations in Connecticut

Driving under the influence and distracted driving (driving while texting) remain the biggest safety concerns for CT law enforcement.

Beyond that, two new CT driving laws include:

1. Young drivers ages 16 and 17 may not drive between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am, unless it’s for employment, school, or a medical emergency.
2. Ice cream trucks must now have flashing amber lights.

Penalties for Failure to Carry Connecticut Auto Insurance

Failure to carry adequate auto insurance in CT can lead to serious repercussions. First, you may be fined anywhere from $100 to $1,000. But it’s also a Class D felony in CT to knowingly operate a vehicle without insurance. That charge can lead to a fine of $500 and up to three months imprisonment, or both.

Connecticut drivers must also always carry valid proof of insurance in their vehicle. Driving without proof of insurance — even when the car is discovered to be insured — can be a $50 fine.

Insurance companies in Connecticut report canceled policies to the DMV every month. The DMV will suspend your driver’s license if they discover you’re driving without insurance. The DMV may ask that you pay a $200 fine.

Furthermore, the DMV can suspend a vehicle’s registration if it is known to be on CT roads without insurance. That can lead to impound, and a host of other expensive problems. So, it makes sense to buy at least the minimum auto insurance, if not more.

How to Get the Cheapest Connecticut Auto Insurance Policy

Auto insurance companies tend to slowly increase your premium (price) over time. This is a genuine marketing tactic, not your imagination. Therefore, it makes sense to call around and shop for auto insurance every few years. Insurers will try to gain your business by offering a more competitive price.

Read More: Why You Should Shop for Car Insurance Every 6 Months. 

Other ways to decrease your costs for auto insurance are:

• Increasing your deductibles if you have full coverage: The higher your deductible, the less your insurance will cost. However, this doesn’t apply to liability-only policies, and your lienholder may require you to carry a lower deductible.
• Seeking a “bundle” if you have several insurance policies: Insurers may offer you a discount if you have several types of insurance with one provider.
• Buying a price-per-mile policy: These auto insurance policies are best for low-mileage drivers who don’t drive much. Be prepared to report your mileage several times a year to the insurer.

Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Save You 90% On Your Car Insurance

Connecticut State Auto Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies rate drivers and vehicles by their risk level. Very fast foreign cars, very heavy vehicles, and unsafe drivers tend to cost the most to insure. Insurers will consider:

• Gender
• Marital status
• Age
• Type of vehicle
• Value of vehicle
• Age of vehicle
• Years of driving experience
• Prior history of claims
• Tickets, moving violations and DUI
• Your zip code and garage location

CT Auto Insurance Rates by Carrier

The table below explores the average price of full coverage insurance in Connecticut, for one year, as of 2021. But remember, your price can be much higher or lower depending on the details listed above.

CT Auto Insurance Rates by City

The table below explores the average price of full coverage auto insurance in Connecticut, as well as the usual annual price increases.

For help finding Connecticut auto insurance quotes, contact us today or simply put your zip code below and hit “Get A Quote” !