Connecticut Auto Insurance Guide
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Get affordable Connecticut auto insurance quote rates for free.
Call Now: (866) 845-3808
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:
Insurance companies that operate in CT do report lapsed and canceled auto insurance policies to the CT DMV.
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.
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.)
$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.
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:
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.
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:
Simply enter your zipcode to compare car insurance rates and find the best coverage.
Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Save You 90% On Your Car Insurance
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:
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.
USAA | $847 |
GEICO | $925 |
Progressive | $1167 |
State Farm | $1324 |
The table below explores the average price of full coverage auto insurance in Connecticut, as well as the usual annual price increases.
City | Average annual premium for full coverage | % Increase in average annual premium |
Bridgeport | $2,364 | 28% |
New Haven | $2,324 | 26% |
Hartford | $2,395 | 30% |
Stamford | $1,938 | 5% |
Waterbury | $2,236 | 21% |
Norwalk | $1,841 | 0% |
Danbury | $1,927 | 4% |
New Britain | $2,022 | 10% |
West Hartford | $1,957 | 6% |
Hamden | $2,114 | 15% |
Meriden | $1,853 | 0% |
Bristol | $1,795 | -3% |
Manchester | $1,785 | -3% |
West Haven | $2,148 | 16% |
Fairfield | $1,946 | 5% |
Stratford | $1,975 | 7% |
East Hartford | $1,967 | 7% |
Milford | $2,041 | 11% |
Middletown | $1,799 | -2% |
Shelton | $1,901 | 3% |
For help finding Connecticut auto insurance quotes, contact us today or simply put your zip code below and hit “Get A Quote” !
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Here are the most common questions we hear about CT auto insurance.
Is auto insurance mandatory in CT?
Absolutely. Connecticut requires all drivers to keep at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. Failure to do so can lead to expensive fines and jail time.
Do I need full coverage auto insurance?
There is no law in Connecticut that says you must have full coverage auto insurance. However, your bank or lienholder may require it if you are still paying for the vehicle.
What is the cheapest auto insurance company in Connecticut?
There’s no easy answer to this question. Our research suggests that USAA and GEICO are among the cheapest insurers in the state, but every driver has a unique profile that can affect their premiums.
How often should I shop for auto insurance?
You will save money by shopping around for auto insurance every few years.
Connecticut Insurance Department
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles – DMV
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