Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Connecticut

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Connecticut is $910.25. An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Connecticut across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

*Data Methodology – Updated 2/15/2024

The Connecticut car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in CT. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

Connecticut Minimum Liability Coverage

All motor vehicle owners in Connecticut are required to carry minimum auto insurance coverage. This minimum coverage consists of three parts:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to others caused by the policyholder’s negligence.
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000. This covers damage to others’ property from accidents caused by the policyholder.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to the policyholder caused by a driver who does not have sufficient insurance or none at all.

Connecticut also requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $5,000. PIP covers medical bills and lost wages for the policyholder and passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle, regardless of fault in an accident.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Connecticut

Connecticut law requires that all drivers carry a minimum of $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage liability coverage. Drivers who fail to maintain this mandatory minimum level of insurance face a number of penalties.

The first offense for driving without insurance in Connecticut is considered an infraction, carrying a fine of up to $1,000. The offender’s driver’s license will also be suspended for one month. In addition, the offender’s vehicle registration will be suspended for one month.

The second offense within three years is considered a misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in prison. The offender’s driver’s license will be suspended for one year and the vehicle registration suspended for one year.

For a third or subsequent offense within five years, the penalties increase to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison. The offender’s driver’s license and vehicle registration will both be suspended for three years.

Drivers with suspended licenses or registrations due to lack of insurance may apply for a hardship license after 30 days to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, or other essential destinations. However, they must provide proof of financial responsibility in the form of an SR-22 insurance certificate.

Auto Insurance Rates in Connecticut

Auto insurance rates in Connecticut tend to be higher than the national average, largely due to the state’s high population density, traffic congestion, and number of uninsured motorists. Connecticut residents pay an average of $1,836 per year for auto insurance, compared to the national average of $1,526.

Several factors determine your auto insurance rates in Connecticut:

• Vehicle type – Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and trucks tend to be more expensive to insure due to higher repair costs and theft risk.
• Driving history – Traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and DUIs on your driving record will increase your rates significantly. Insurance companies view these as indicators of higher risk.
• Credit score – Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to determine rates, assuming that those with lower credit scores may be higher risk. However, not all companies factor in credit scores.
• Garaging location – Where you park and drive your vehicle affects your rates. Urban areas with more traffic and higher theft rates command higher premiums.
• Coverage limits – Choosing higher liability limits and adding comprehensive and collision coverage will increase your premiums. However, adequate coverage limits are recommended.
• Deductibles – Selecting higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage can help lower your premiums, though you’ll pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.
• Discounts – Ask your insurer about discounts for safety features, good student status, multi-policy, and other programs they may offer. These can significantly reduce your costs.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in Connecticut

Car insurance is mandatory in Connecticut, but that doesn’t mean premiums can’t be affordable. There are several ways Connecticut drivers can reduce their car insurance costs through low-cost programs and discounts.

State-sponsored programs like the Assigned Risk Plan can help high-risk drivers obtain minimum liability coverage. The plan assigns applicants to insurance companies that must provide coverage. Premiums are often higher than standard rates but still allow drivers to legally operate a vehicle.

Connecticut law requires insurers to offer several discounts to qualifying customers. Common discounts include:

• Good student: Available to students under age 25 who maintain at least a B average. The discount is typically around 10% to 20%.
• Multi-policy: Bundling homeowners or other insurance with your auto policy can earn a 5% to 10% discount.
• Multi-vehicle: Insuring two or more vehicles with the same insurer typically earns at least a 5% discount per vehicle.
• Anti-theft devices: Installing an immobilizing or tracking device can earn a 5% to 10% discount on comprehensive coverage.
• Safety devices: Airbags, anti-lock brakes and other safety features may qualify your vehicle for a small discount.
• Defensive driving course: Completing a state-approved driving course can earn up to 10% off your premium for three years.
• Military: Active military, veterans and military retirees often qualify for a discount of 5% to 25%.
• Good driving record: Maintaining a clean driving history for several years without any violations or claims usually results in lower premiums.

Connecticut Car Insurance Statistics

Connecticut has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. According to the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Several factors contribute to these high rates:

Required coverages: Connecticut requires drivers to carry both bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, which helps protect other drivers in the event of an accident but adds to the cost of insurance.

High population density: With a large number of drivers concentrated in a small geographic area, the risk of accidents and insurance claims is higher, driving up rates.

High cost of living: Operating and repair costs tend to be higher in Connecticut, especially in more urban areas. Insurance companies factor these costs into premium calculations.

Fraud: Insurance fraud contributes to the high cost of car insurance in Connecticut. The state has an active Insurance Fraud Bureau to combat fraud and abuse of the system.

The 10 Largest Connecticut Car Insurance Companies

Connecticut residents have many options when choosing a car insurance provider. The top insurance companies in the state by market share include the following:

1. Progressive – As the largest auto insurer in Connecticut, Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options. Its usage-based insurance app, SnapShot, allows customers to earn discounts for good driving habits.
2. Allstate – Allstate offers auto insurance and other products like home and life insurance. The company has been in business for over 80 years and is known for 24/7 customer service.
3. Travelers – With operations dating back to 1853, Travelers offers auto, home, and business insurance. Customers appreciate Travelers’ multi-policy discounts and reputation for claims satisfaction.
4. State Farm – State Farm is a full-service insurer offering auto, home, life, and health insurance. As the largest auto insurer in the U.S., State Farm has a strong brand recognition.
5. Liberty Mutual – Liberty Mutual provides auto insurance coverage as well as home, renters, and umbrella insurance. The company has a reputation for quality customer service and claims handling.
6. Geico – Geico is known for its competitive rates on auto insurance. The company also offers coverage for motorcycles, RVs, boats, and commercial vehicles.
7. MetLife Auto & Home – MetLife’s auto insurance division offers coverage for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. Customers can bundle auto and home insurance for multi-policy discounts.
8. The Hartford – The Hartford has been providing auto insurance for over 80 years. The company also offers home, renters, and boat insurance as well as insurance products for small businesses.
9. Nationwide – Nationwide is a full-line insurer offering auto, home, and life insurance. Customers can access agents through local offices or online.
10. Amica Mutual – Amica Mutual focuses exclusively on property and casualty insurance. The company is known for high customer satisfaction ratings and a claims process that aims to make filing a claim “worry free.”