Average premiums for both liability only and full coverage car insurance policies in Connecticut are below the country average but full coverage is more cost-effective in comparison. Relatively modest auto theft and vandalism crime figures may be helpful in keeping premiums low. The Nutmeg State is one of the wealthiest in the country. That should make already reasonable premiums look even lower as it chips away a smaller portion of spendable income.
Number of uninsured drivers is one of the lowest in the US. This is due to driver awareness and strict laws regulating and penalizing driving without coverage. The state has 2.5 million licensed drivers.
Connecticut Laws and Requirements
Minimum liability vehicle insurance coverage requirements are;
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $25,000 for property damage.
Connecticut mandates uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM/UIM BI) too, necessitating the following minimum limits:
- UM/UIM BI: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your and your passengers medical expenses and consequential costs in case of an accident caused by a driver who lacks adequate coverage or is entirely uninsured.
You can check the Department of Motor Vehicles website for any other questions concerning the laws and rules.
Connecticut Average Auto Insurance Premiums
The average cost of state required minimum liability only policy costs $620 and it is only $2 cheaper than the US average. The average full coverage car insurance costs $1,533 and that is $481 less than the national average. This makes full coverage policies with Liability, Collision and Comprehensive relatively cost-effective considering how much more coverage you get and in comparison to the national average. Hence, it’s recommended that drivers obtain quotes for both policy types when they’re uncertain about their choice. This way, they can evaluate whether the extra coverage is financially justified based on their vehicle’s value.
Most Affordable Vehicle Insurance Companies in CT
Even though you pay affordable Auto insurance premiums in Connecticut, you should still get a few quotes, including from below cheapest car insurers, to see if you can reduce your premium. There is no other way of knowing your current carrier is competitive enough or you have an opportunity to switch and save money.
- State Farm
- Geico
- Travelers
- Amica
- Progressive
Typically, premiums can fluctuate based on your location within the state. For instance, in the costliest cities like New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, you might find yourself paying approximately 38% above the state average for car insurance.
Interesting Connecticut Auto Insurance and Driving Facts
- Connecticut has some of the nation’s worst maintained roads, potentially leading to an uptick in accidents. This underscores the advantages of having Collision coverage.
- Connecticut mandates that first-time DUI offenders install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles.
- Insurance companies report monthly policy cancellations to the DMV. If a registered vehicle owner is found without mandatory insurance, the DMV sends a registration suspension notice. Owners can avoid suspension by agreeing with the DMV, obtaining insurance, and paying a $200 penalty. Failure to act within 30 days can lead to a driver’s license suspension.
- Operating or allowing the operation of an uninsured private passenger vehicle in Connecticut leads to a class C misdemeanor for the owner, with potential penalties of up to $500 in fines, three months imprisonment, or both. The vehicle’s operator can also be fined between $100 and $1,000.
- Connecticut has a “basic speeding law” and “absolute speed limits.” Violating either of these can result in a speeding ticket. The basic speeding law mandates driving at a safe speed considering various factors, and going below posted limits doesn’t guarantee immunity from tickets. Absolute speed limits, on the other hand, are straightforward—if you drive faster than the posted limit, you’re breaking the law.
- Connecticut was the first state in the United States to introduce a law regulating automobile speeds on May 21, 1901. The law set speed limits of 12 mph in cities and 15 mph on rural roads. Additionally, cars were expected to decelerate when approaching intersections. It also included guidelines for interacting with horses on the road, requiring cars to slow down and stop if a horse appeared frightened.
- Connecticut holds the top position as the premier hub for the insurance industry in North America. With a rich history, insurance is one of the state’s most established sectors and a significant source of employment.
Keep in mind that each car insurance company establishes its own pricing and frequently adjusts these rates. This underscores the importance of regularly checking prices at least once annually by getting multiple quotes.