Connecticut Auto Insurance Requirements
Connecticut has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Connecticut are mandated by the Connecticut Insurance Department. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Connecticut Insurance Department)
Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Connecticut can result in a license plate and driver’s license suspension and up to a $500 fine and three months jail time for the first offense; penalties increase significantly for subsequent offenses. Financial responsibility must be demonstrated prior to reinstatement of license and tags.
The Connecticut Auto Insurance Assigned Risk Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain such coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Connecticut
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Connecticut requires research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies. Connecticut ranks at 12th most expensive states for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Connecticut include:
• Urban congestion, particularly in the southern part of the state, which means more cars on the roads and highways
• Vehicle repair costs are generally more expensive in Connecticut than elsewhere
• Overall accident rates are higher than national averages
• A high percentage of uninsured drivers
• Auto insurance fraud
• Vehicle theft rates above national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Connecticut is $1,786 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Connecticut
• If you’re over 60, and you take a state-approved driver’s course in Connecticut, you are eligible for a state mandated discount
• Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers
• Maintain a good driving record
• Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
• Maintain a good credit score
• Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
• Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
• Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Connecticut Statistics
• Auto Theft: Connecticut has a relatively modest rate of auto thefts, and the theft rate has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Theft)
• Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Connecticut has remained almost constant, as have vehicle accident fatality rates. Connecticut has one of the lowest numbers of deaths in car crashes in the country, despite having a fairly high population concentration.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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