Connecticut Car Insurance Guide

For the last several years, Connecticut has ranked in the ten most expensive states in the United State to insure a vehicle. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average expenditure for auto insurance coverage in Connecticut was $981 per year, making Connecticut the 10th most expensive state for car insurance in the country. Part of the reason Connecticut's car insurance rates are so high is because its residents tend to drive newer vehicles and are thus more likely to carry full coverage. Of course, this coverage is more expensive, which drives up the average expenditure for coverage in the state. As if high rates weren't enough to contend with, Connecticut also has unique insurance laws that require drivers to carry quite a bit of coverage. Read on to learn more about Connecticut auto insurance regulations and how to structure a policy.

Mandatory Insurance Laws

Like most states, Connecticut requires drivers to purchase certain amounts of liability insurance. Connecticut's minimum liability requirements are 20/40/10. This means drivers must carry a minimum of $20,000 for a single-person injury, $40,000 for injuries to two or more people, and $10,000 for accident-related property damage. Connecticut is also one of only a handful of states that requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. This coverage pays for your and your passengers' injuries in the event you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. In Connecticut, drivers must carry a minimum of $20,000 per person uninsured motorist coverage and $40,000 for all people involved in a collision.

Breakdown of Costs

Connecticut is one of the priciest states for auto insurance partially because it is considered a tort state, which means it requires drivers to pay for the damages that result from the accidents they cause. Connecticut rates may also be due to higher traffic density and per capita income. In 2003, the average Connecticut resident paid $611.45 for auto insurance liability coverage, $339.32 for collision protection, and $137.04 for comprehensive coverage. Remember that you do not need to include collision and comprehensive in your Connecticut car insurance policy if your car doesn't have much cash value.

Where to Go for Help

The Connecticut Insurance Department has a division devoted to the regulation of the car insurance industry. The insurance department provides general information to Connecticut residents on how to select coverage, file a claim, and comply with state insurance laws. In addition, the insurance department also investigates complaints against car insurers. For more information about the state's minimum insurance requirements or the insurers licensed to do business in Connecticut, contact the insurance department via telephone or email.