Understanding Connecticut's Auto Insurance Coverage Minimums

Connecticut requires all drivers to carry liability insurance coverage. If a driver causes an accident, liability insurance covers the lost wages or injuries sustained by another driver or their passengers, known as bodily injury (BI) coverage. Liability insurance also covers damage to the other driver's vehicle, known as property damage (PD). The minimum coverage for auto insurance in Connecticut is 25/50/25 of bodily injury and property damage coverage. This means $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $25,000 property damage liability coverage per accident.

Bodily injury liability coverage

The minimum bodily injury liability coverage in Connecticut is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you are in an accident and are found to be at fault, your insurance will cover the medical expenses of the other person or people up to $25,000 per individual, and a total of $50,000 for all injured people.

It is important to note that bodily injury liability coverage does not cover your own injuries. If you want to ensure that your own medical expenses are covered in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, you can consider adding personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage to your policy. These types of coverage are optional in Connecticut but can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident.

While the minimum coverage may be sufficient in some cases, it is important to consider your specific situation and the potential risks involved. If you are in a serious accident, the medical costs of the injured people can quickly exceed the minimum coverage limits. Therefore, it may be advisable to purchase higher coverage limits to protect yourself financially. By increasing your coverage limits, you can have greater peace of mind knowing that you are better protected in the event of a significant crash.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Connecticut operates under an at-fault insurance system. This means that the person who is found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for any resulting damages. In this case, your bodily injury liability coverage will come into effect to cover the medical expenses of the injured people.

Property damage liability coverage

It is important to note that the state-mandated minimum coverage may not be sufficient to cover all property damage in the event of a major accident. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase additional coverage to protect yourself financially.

When filing a property damage liability claim, you should first find the property owner and document the damage with photos and videos. Then, contact your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information and evidence. They will work with the other party to assess the damage and approve repairs up to the coverage limit.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

In Connecticut, the minimum coverage limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your insurance will cover up to $25,000 of bodily injury per person, and up to $50,000 total per accident. These limits are separate from the minimum liability coverage requirements in Connecticut, which are also set at $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver with no auto insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the other driver doesn't have enough coverage to pay for the damages or injuries they caused. These coverages are mandatory in many states and highly recommended for all drivers, as they provide financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

In Connecticut, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also includes hit-and-run accidents. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run, you can file a claim against your uninsured motorist coverage to cover your injuries and property damage. This coverage is designed to provide financial protection and peace of mind for drivers who may be involved in accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists.

It's important to note that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage only applies if the other driver is at fault for the accident. If you are at fault, your liability coverage would come into play, and this coverage is separate from your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, your health insurance may overlap with your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, so it's important to understand the specifics of your insurance policy and how these coverages interact.

Collision coverage

If your car is under a loan or lease agreement, your bank or finance company will require you to purchase collision coverage. Collision coverage pays for vehicle repairs or a full replacement if your car is damaged in a collision.

It's important to note that collision coverage only applies to damages related to a collision and not other events such as bad weather, fire, theft, or flooding. For coverage of non-collision-related damages, you would need comprehensive insurance.

While collision coverage is not mandated by the state, Connecticut drivers are required to have liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Liability coverage includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability, with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 per accident, respectively. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage has minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

It is always recommended to review and update your auto insurance coverage regularly to ensure you have adequate protection and comply with legal requirements.

Comprehensive coverage

In the state of Connecticut, comprehensive coverage is not mandated by law. However, it is often required by lenders if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is an optional type of insurance that covers physical damage to your vehicle resulting from non-collision events outside of your control. This includes theft, vandalism, glass and windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather damage, or other acts of nature.

When deciding whether to opt for comprehensive coverage, consider the value of your car, your financial circumstances, and your personal preferences. If your vehicle has a high cash value or you cannot afford repairs or replacement out of pocket, comprehensive coverage could be beneficial. It is worth noting that comprehensive coverage is often confused with collision coverage, which protects against damage to your car from collisions with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.

In Connecticut, the minimum auto insurance requirements include liability coverage, with specific limits for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage. Additionally, the state requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect drivers in case they are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Frequently asked questions