Auto Insurance in Connecticut

Auto Insurance in Connecticut

There are a few key laws regarding auto insurance in Connecticut. In order to avoid penalties and fines, all drivers in this state must obtain minimum liability coverage and always carry proof of their insurance policy in their vehicle.

If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you will be asked to show proof of insurance. Drivers who are unable to produce proof of valid policy face a potential citation. The Connecticut Division of Motor Vehicles is automatically informed by your insurance company in the event that your policy lapses or is canceled for your registered vehicle. When the DMV learns of your discontinued policy, they will contact you to inform you that you must officially present proof of a new policy. Failure to provide proof of a replacement policy will potentially subject you to a $200 fine.

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance in Connecticut

Your liability auto insurance in Connecticut must meet some minimum coverage standards. The state requires all drivers to possess coverage in excess of:

- $20,000 bodily injury per person
- $40,000 total bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 total property damage per accident

These state-mandated coverage minimums are simply the rock-bottom legal standard. Experts advise that drivers not treat these numbers as standard to use when shopping for auto insurance in Connecticut. After all, medical care costs and vehicle repairs are always getting more and more expensive. It is rare for state coverage mandates to keep pace with those rising costs. If you want to make sure you have adequate protection for your assets and loved ones, you should look for coverage that is more extensive and provides more coverage than is laid out in the state minimum.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Also known as UM/UIM coverage, this auto insurance feature will help protect you in cases where you are involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. While many states do not require their drivers to purchase this kind of coverage, Connecticut has taken a different stance. All drivers in Connecticut must have UM/UIM insurance that covers a minimum of two people in the vehicle at $20,000 per person. That adds up to a minimum total of $40,000 per accident for bodily injury for accidents caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers.

No-Fault Insurance

Connecticut is in line with most other states when it comes to no-fault car insurance. Drivers in this state are not required to have no-fault coverage.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Connecticut drivers are not required to purchase personal injury protection as part of their car insurance policy.

SR-22 Requirements

In some cases, Connecticut drivers who have had their driving privileges revoked will have to file an SR-22 form in order to achieve reinstatement. Getting caught driving without proof of insurance, causing an accident as an uninsured driver, and being convicted of a DUI are the most common infractions that lead to suspension of a drivers license and the eventual need for an SR-22.

Connecticut DUI Laws

First time DUI offenders receive the following maximum punishment in Connecticut:

- Vehicle towed and impounded for 48 hours
- $500 to $1000 fine
- One year license suspension
- 48 hours to 6 months imprisonment
- Mandatory substance abuse program completion

Additional Information on Auto Insurance in Connecticut

If you have any questions or there is any additional information you need to know about auto insurance in Connecticut, you should contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at (860) 297-3800 or go to their website at www.ct.gov/cid.

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