Cheap Car Insurance in Connecticut
Connecticut may be the third smallest state, but it’s big in several important firsts, including being the first state to establish speed limits and the first state to issue permanent license plates. When you visit Connecticut, remember to obey the speed limit since they have lots of practice enforcing it and to have the right amount of car insurance.
Connecticut is a Native American word that means “the long, tidal river” and the Connecticut River is a major U.S. waterway that bisects the state, as well as flowing through three more states: New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts before it empties into Long Island Sound. With its coastal plains, river valley and hills, Connecticut offers a wide variety of places to visit. If you are planning a trip, here are some places you should check out:
- Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium: Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride on an old-time wooden, coal-fired steamboat at the seaport, while visiting a Beluga Whale and some Stellar Sea Lions at the aquarium.
- Gillette Castle State Park and the Mark Twain House: Whether you are enthralled by knights in shining armor or literary heroes, you’ll want to stop by either one – or both – of these historic landmarks.
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: Take a winding tour through Connecticut’s beautiful landscape on a vintage rail system and opt for the added attraction of getting off the train and onto a vessel to cruise the Deep River.
Whatever you choose to do while visiting or living in Connecticut, let Freeway Insurance help you find affordable auto coverage that keeps you protected.
How Much is Car Insurance in Connecticut?
The average annual car insurance in Connecticut comes in at $620 for the required minimum liability and $1,553 for full coverage (liability, plus comprehensive and collision). That compares to $565 nationally for the minimum and $1,771 for the national average of full coverage.
Wherever you live, your insurance cost will be based on a variety of factors that make you unique, such as age, gender, driving record, type of car and more.
What is the Average Premium in Minnesota for Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance?
The average rate is $129 per month. This type of auto insurance includes Connecticut’s required minimum, as well as collision and comprehensive. For complete peace of mind, full coverage offers protection against damages due to collisions, as well as those out of your control, such as a tree limb falling on your vehicle or someone stealing your car.
Full coverage may also be required if you have financed your ride or are in a lease.
How Much Is It for Cheap Liability Insurance or the Minimum Required Car Insurance in Connecticut?
It will cost, on average, $52 per month. Most people will pay a little more or a little less than that for the state-required minimum. Connecticut is an at-fault state, which means the driver causing an accident will have to pay for the injuries and damages of other parties. The minimum consists of the usual liability (bodily injury and property damage) and the state also requires uninsured motorist coverage (UM.
If you are hit by a hit-and-run, your own insurance will kick in to help pay for your property damage. Otherwise, your insurance will help pay for other parties’ injuries and damages if you are at fault. It will not pay anything for your own.
How Do Rates Compare Across Major Cities in Connecticut?
Rates vary depending on where you live. Generally, residents living in less populated areas pay lower auto insurance premiums due to the reduced risk of an accident and vehicle crime. Here is a comparison of average monthly costs between some populated and rural areas in Connecticut.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | $94 | $213 |
| Hartford | $91 | $212 |
| Bridgeport | $92 | $215 |
| Danbury | $64 | $154 |
| Norwalk | $65 | $155 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Connecticut. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Are There Good Driver Discounts in Connecticut?
Absolutely. Especially for those with a good driving record of 3-5 years with no accidents, tickets or claims. Some insurers offer 10-30% off for this type of driving record. Another great discount comes from bundling multiple policies with one carrier. For example, you may choose to have your home insurance, your auto coverage and more with the same company. This can earn a 14-20% discount. Other great savings include:
- Taking a defensive driving course. Especially for seniors and students, this can give you a 5% discount.
- Choosing to reduce your insurer’s administrative costs by going with paperless billing, autopay or paying your premium upfront. You may see a %5 savings for these measures.
- Adding anti-theft features or buying a vehicle with them already installed. Along with newer safety technologies, anti-theft features may save you 2%.
- Demographic discounts include realizing a savings for belonging to a certain group, including good student, senior driver, and current and former military.
You should check in periodically for any new discounts you may be eligible for if your circumstances change. For example, if you start working from home, you may be able to tap into a low mileage discount.
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Connecticut Car Insurance Laws
Connecticut, like most states, maintains a real-time database of active insurance policies. If you cancel your policy or let it lapse due to non-payment, it will show up in the database. If you get pulled over by law enforcement, you’ll receive a citation for no insurance.
Driving without an active insurance policy in Connecticut is a Class C misdemeanor. This is true if you are driving your vehicle or if you lend it to someone and they get pulled over. Consequences include:
- $500 fine, up to 3 months in jail or both
- Your registration and driver’s license may be suspended for one month for a first offense and six months for any subsequent offenses
- Vehicle impoundment
- Show proof of insurance and pay $175 to get your license back
You may need to file an SR-22 certificate, which typically means your insurance will go up dramatically.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires its motorists to carry liability, plus uninsured motorist.
These are required in the following amounts:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage
- $25,000/$50,000 uninsured
All registered drivers in Connecticut need to show proof of insurance – no exceptions. If insurance lapses for even a day, you may be subject to penalties.
What Factors Does Connecticut Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?
Several factors go into determining your auto insurance premium. Generally, those with zero claims on their record with an account in good standing over several years pay less in auto insurance premiums than someone with one or more claims on their record.
Some factors used in determining your auto insurance premiums include:
- Driving record and claims history
- Your zip code and address
- Gender
- Marital status
- Age
- Type of vehicle
- Credit score
Luckily, there are many ways to save on auto insurance, including purchasing an older vehicle, asking for discounts, increasing deductibles, and lowering coverage limits.
Am I Required to Report an Accident in Connecticut to Authorities?
Any accident that results in death, serious injury, or property damage exceeding $1,000 needs to be reported by calling 911 within 5 days.
If you are in an accident, remove your vehicle, yourself and others to a safe place if possible. If you cannot move you vehicle, stay in your vehicle. Call 911 to report the wreck and check yourself, your passengers and any other people involved for injuries, if you can do so safely. Take pictures if possible and make sure to get everyone’s contact information. Call your insurance company or use your app to report your crash.
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What Is Driving Like in Connecticut?
Connecticut has invested large financial resources to ensure its roads are fairly high quality. It’s a smaller state, so getting from the breathtaking hills to the ocean is a short jaunt. The state has many scenic routes for those who aren’t in a hurry.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Connecticut?
From 2017-2021, there were 1,338 fatal motor vehicle crashes in Connecticut. From 2020 through July 2023, there have been 1,020 fatal crashes.
FAQs about Connecticut Car Insurance
I Am a Low-Income Driver. What Can I Do About Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in Connecticut?
There are many ways low-income drivers can save on auto insurance.
For starters, low-income drivers can opt for the minimum coverage, while choosing a high deductible. Remember, though, your car insurance deductible amount is what you will pay for any bills before your insurance kicks in and starts paying. For example, if there is $2,500 in bills and damages and your deductible is $2,000, you will be responsible for paying that $2,000 before your insurance company picks up the $500 that is left. Since the insurance company is on the line for a smaller amount, you will pay less every month. Just make sure you can afford to pay that deductible if and when it becomes necessary.
Other ways low-income drivers can save money is by purchasing an older make and model vehicle that costs less to insure. If you can swing paying your entire annual premium upfront, you can most likely get a discount.
Lastly, low-income drivers may be eligible for discounts provided their account is in good standing. There are many discounts available, rewarding drivers for everything from owning an electric/hybrid vehicle to being accident-free for seven years.
Can an Undocumented Worker Get Cheap Car Insurance in Connecticut?
Connecticut is one of a handful of states that allows undocumented workers to obtain a driver’s license, so some companies will issue them insurance.
Anyone with a valid driver’s license can get auto insurance and benefit from rewards for good driving behavior.
Is It Possible to Get Low-Cost Car Insurance in Connecticut With a DUI Mark on my Record?
Yes, Connecticut drivers with a DUI on record can get car insurance. However, there are severe penalties, with annual DUI car insurance costs rising as high as 50% with a single conviction.
The best way to combat DUI convictions is to shop around and compare policies. Review all your insurance choices carefully. Some insurance companies charge higher premiums for DUI solution coverage than others, with average annual rates between different insurers varying considerably.
Find an Affordable Car Insurance Quote Online in Connecticut Today
Obtaining car insurance results in greater peace of mind, knowing that you will be covered in the event of an accident. One can benefit from minimum coverage requirements or go all out with lower deductibles and higher coverage limits for the best protection possible. At Freeway Insurance, we can help find the best possible coverage for your needs and budget.
Visit us to get a fast and free car insurance quote online, stop in at a convenient office near you, or give us a call at 800-777-5620 for a quote.
