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Connecticut drivers pay an average of $1,326.09 per year for car insurance according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), that’s about $110.51 per month. Connecticut drivers pay about 11% more than the countrywide national average of $1,189.64.
The NAIC takes into account all car insurance policies within the state such as drivers who select only state minimum coverage, as well as policies that include various levels of comprehensive and collision coverage. Because car insurance rates are influenced by personal factors, you could find yourself paying significantly less.
Connecticut car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/25
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$1,326.09
At-fault state
In at-fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
Connecticut state minimum car insurance requirements
Drivers in Connecticut are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to legally drive. You may see it written as 25/50/25, but we’ll break down what that means.
Connecticut bodily injury liability
$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury per accident
Connecticut requires $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 of bodily injury per accident to legally drive. That’s right in line with what most states across the US require for this coverage.
This means $25,000 is the most your insurer will pay for a single person injured by you in an at-fault accident. And $50,000 is the maximum amount your insurer will pay if there is more than one person injured by you in an at-fault accident. Any costs outside of your bodily injury limit are required to come out of your pocket.
Connecticut property damage liability
$25,000 property damage liability
Connecticut requires drivers to carry $25,000 of property damage liability to legally drive. This is the highest required property damage limit across the US, with 18 other states requiring this amount.
This means $25,000 is the maximum amount your car insurance company will pay towards damages you cause to another person’s car or property, such as repairs to a car, fence or building. You’ll have to pay out of pocket for any costs beyond your property damage liability limit.
Connecticut uninsured or underinsured motorist
$25,000 uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury per person
$50,000 uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury per accident
Connecticut requires all drivers to carry $25,000 of uninsured motorist bodily injury per person and $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident to legally drive. Near half of the states across the US require some sort of uninsured motorist coverage, though some other states let you opt-out.
This coverage protects you if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It pays for medical bills for you and your passengers.
Finder tip: State minimum coverage isn’t enough
These state-mandated requirements are the lowest amount of coverage you need to legally drive in Connecticut, but may fall short if you’re in a major accident. To avoid high out-of-pocket costs after an accident, consider raising your liability limits by balancing coverage, your budget and what you can afford to pay out of pocket for certain damage.
In Connecticut, the driver at fault pays for damage
Connecticut is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible pays for the accident damage. Your insurance company and legal authorities will determine who’s at fault, based on the details.
However, Connecticut also factors in whether drivers are partially at fault under a law called modified comparative fault, according to the legal website Nolo. Under this law, both drivers are assigned a percentage of fault. Those with less than 50% of fault can get reimbursed for their damages by other drivers.
For example, if you’re 80% responsible for an accident, your insurance will pay 80% of the other driver’s damages. However, since you’re over 50% at fault, the other driver isn’t required to pay for your damages.
Cheapest rates by age in Connecticut
Drivers under age 25 should get a quote from Allstate since it lays out the cheapest prices by far. You can even opt into its rewards and safe driving programs to lower your costs further.
However, Geico comes in as the cheapest for most other ages in this sample.
Age
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
USAA
16-24
$187.41
$279.81
$240.14
$204.34
25-34
$188.74
$188.67
$167.21
$158.76
35-44
$199.42
$172.32
$148.54
–
45-54
$251.74
$130.79
$147.90
–
Cheapest rates by gender in Connecticut
Rates between genders stick fairly close togerh in Connecticut. We found USAA to offer the most competitive rates in this sample, followed closely by Geico.
Company
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
USAA
Men
$187.45
$188.84
$172.30
$176.61
Women
$210.13
$199.55
$177.15
$168.64
Sample rates in Connecticut from major car insurance companies
USAA and Geico stand neck-and-neck in offering lower rates than other major brands. Choosing one of these may come down to whether you qualify, your customized quote and the features you’re looking for in a policy.
Company
Allstate
Progressive
Geico
USAA
Rate
$200.41
$194.55
$174.84
$173.95
Best car insurance for Connecticut
Whether you’re looking for standard car insurance, local service or a policy that sets rates based on how you drive, there’s a bit of everything in Connecticut.
We recommend starting with these companies they offer wellrounded coverage, high discounts and extra features like local agents or app experience. They also have solid ratings from the Better Business Bureau, J.D. Power, Trustpilot and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, compared to other companies on the market.
Progressive offers some of the widest coverage we've seen, including options for gap, rideshare, custom equipment and pet injuries. You also can earn accident forgiveness or add it to your policy — your choice. Plus, Progressive's competitive rates and discounts help you save money on your car insurance bill, especially if you have a claim-free driving record.
Pros
Competitive rates for many drivers
Save 30%+ for safe driving and claim-free history
A variety of options including gap and rideshare coverage
Free accident forgiveness and no-deductible glass repairs
Pricing tool helps you buy within your budget
Cons
Slow to respond to complaints
Must be a 5-year customer to qualify for accident forgiveness
Drivewise is Allstate's version of telematics insurance, which tracks your driving and rewards you accordingly with a discount. Drivewise offers one of the highest possible discounts available.
You can also earn further rewards toward gift cards and merchandise through Allstate's rewards program. Download the app to see how your driving is scored before you become an Allstate customer.
Pros
Discount up to 40% + cashback for driving safely
Try Drivewise before becoming a customer
Won't raise rates if you're not deemed a safe driver
App can find your parking spot or nearest gas station
Cons
Focuses on few driving behaviors, which could skew results
Getting a quote from Geico is worth your time when you're looking for the best deal on car insurance. Geico is known for offering solid value without sacrificing on options like rental reimbursement or rideshare coverage.
Geico also stands out for its online experience. Its app is backed by hundreds of thousands of high customer ratings. It lets you do everything from getting a quote to uploading a photo of your car's damage to staying on top of maintenance. With a few local agents in major Connecticut cities, those who like self-service will enjoy Geico the most.
Pros
Known for offering competitive prices
Save up to 25% when insuring multiple vehicles
Nearly 5-star app ratings, unusual for an insurance app
Hanover emphasizes personal customer service through local agents — you can't even get a quote without reaching out to an agent. With thousands of customers leaving stellar reviews online, we'd say its customer focus is successful. You also get plenty of coverage choices with The Hanover, including new car replacement and original parts coverage.
Pros
Works solely through local agents for personalized service
Nearly 180 years of industry experience
Thousands of nearly 5-star customer ratings on Trustpilot
Variety of coverage choices, like accident forgiveness and original parts coverage
7 factors that affect car insurance rates in Connecticut
Factors are characteristics specific to you that car insurance companies use to set how much you’ll pay for car insurance. The less risky each of your factors is the less you pay, the riskier you are the more you’ll pay. We’ll break down Connecticuter’s rating factors to keep in mind.
Factor
How it affects your rates
Age
How old you are is a top factor in determining your car insurance rates. With each passing year, you earn more experience on the road. More experience can equal cheaper rates. Teen drivers pay the most, but rates begin to level off around your 20’s with drivers over 50 paying the least.
Gender
Connecticut takes gender into account when determining your rates. Our analysis of Quadrant data found that men under 18 pay 17% more for car insurance compared to women of the same age. But, between 31 and 45, women see rates 5% higher than men. After 45, rates differ between men and women by only 1%, with women on the higher end.
Location
Where you live affects your rates, including where you park your car. High theft rates, high traffic and a high number of uninsured drivers could mean higher rates.
Connecticut vehicle theft rates stand at 236.8 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the FBI’s most recent report on vehicle theft rates. That’s slightly below the national average of 246 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants.
As for uninsured drivers, 6.3% of Rhode Islanders on the road are uninsured. That’s on the lower end for the percentage of uninsured drivers in a state according to Insurance Information Institute, with the national average standing at 12.6%.
Vehicle and mileage
Your car’s make, model and trim directly affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Things like its cost, safety ratings, the likelihood of theft and sportiness all help insurers determine its cost to insure.
Safer and cheaper vehicles score the lowest rates, with luxury vehicles with higher repair costs resulting in higher premiums.
And, the more you’re on the road, the more at-risk you are to get in an accident, which means higher premiums. However, according to the Bureau of Transportation, Connecticuters drive an average of 29.5 miles per day, that’s below the average across the US of 36.1 miles per day.
Credit score
Your credit score is included in your credit-based insurance score which insurers use to help calculate rates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is a strong correlation between your insurance score and claims filings. A good credit-based insurance score could mean lower rates.
Connecticut drivers have protections under state laws that regulate the use of credit history when issuing car insurance policies. Connecticut law requires insurers to file their scoring system with the insurance department and notify drivers if their rate is adversely affected by credit score.
Coverage
The more coverage you get and the higher limits you choose, the more protection you’ll have and the more you’ll pay in monthly premiums. And, if you opt for full coverage car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision, the amount of your deductible weighs into your costs too, higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums.
Driving Record
The better your driving record, the lower your premium. If you’re in an at-fault accident you could see rates increases from 20% to 50%. And DUI’s in Connecticut can increase your rate by around 100%, that’s on the higher end compared to other states. These types of violations typically stay on your record for about three years.
How does SR-22 insurance work in Connecticut?
Filing an SR-22 is typically required after multiple incidents, reckless driving, or being charged with a DUI. If you need to complete an SR-22 form, your state’s DMV will notify you. The form proves that you’re meeting your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements, and it’s required if you want to continue driving. Learn more about SR-22 car insurance in Connecticut.
Coverage we recommend for Connecticut drivers
Your car insurance should offer enough coverage to help you financially recover after an accident. While your state requires a minimum level of coverage, in most cases it won’t be enough to keep you from out-of-pocket costs. Though Connecticut drivers see less vehicle theft and drive less than average across the states, experiencing an accident or weather damage without the additional coverage can leave you responsible for steep bills.
Higher liability limits
Connecticut requires 25/50/25 for liability coverage, which is common among many states. However, this is a low amount of protection if you end up paying someone else’s medical bills and property damage. You need higher protection in most cases, especially if another driver takes you to court. Talk with your insurance agent to weigh how much out-of-pocket costs your budget can afford after an accident. You’ll want to set liability limits that balance your monthly budget and offer the coverage you need to protect your assets.
Collision
For accidents where you’re at fault, your collision coverage pays for your own car’s damage — if you buy this optional coverage. Otherwise, repairs to your own vehicle could cost you out of pocket.
Remember that your required liability coverage doesn’t pay for your car damage. Instead, it pays for damage to someone else’s property.
Consider collision coverage if . . .
Your car loan requires it.
It costs less than your car’s value.
You can’t pay for car repairs or another car out of pocket.
You drive your car regularly, such as for commuting.
Comprehensive
Connecticut sees a lower than average number of vehicle thefts compared to other states. Though depending on the theft rates surrounding the type of car you drive, you may still be at risk for car theft. Adding comprehensive coverage to your policy means you’re covered for the outright theft of your vehicle, plus any damages that might occur during a break-in.
The possibility of coastal storms or “northeasters” also makes this coverage more appealing for Connecticut drivers, since the coverage can kick in to cover damages from harsh weather, falling tree branches or animals.
Consider this coverage if . . .
It’s required for your car loan.
You can’t repair or replace your car out of pocket.
Your area has a high risk of theft or serious storms.
Roadside assistance
Though Connecticuters tend to drive less than the average miles per day, adding on roadside assistance offers the peace of mind that if you’re stuck on the side of the road you’ll have access to dependable help. This coverage gives you a dedicated customer service number to call if your car breaks down, with features like tire changes, towing or fuel delivery.
Consider this coverage if . . .
You rely on your car to get around.
You own an older or less reliable vehicle.
You don’t have roadside assistance through your car warranty.
You’d rather not research service providers on your own after a breakdown.
Top 10 auto insurance companies in USA that serve Connecticut
We’ve pulled the top 10 companies by market share that offer coverage in Connecticut according to S&P Global. Compare top companies by three major rating agencies along with our overall score.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating measures how a business interacts with its customers, with the highest rating being A++.
J.D. Power determines customers’ overall satisfaction with their car insurer’s price, billing, claims and customer support. The higher the J.D. Power score out of 1,000, the better.
NAIC complaint index shows how a company’s number of complaints compares to similar companies of its size. Scores lower than 1.00 show the company receives less than the average number of complaints, and scores above 1.00 show more complaints than average.
Finder’s score shows you an overall look at the company by taking into account scores from each of these agencies as well as the coverage and discounts each company offers.
To get these quotes, we compared rates for the same driver profile in a common zip code in this state.
Good credit
Married
Male
31-35 years old
2017 Toyota Camry LE
State minimum coverage
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Connecticut?
Of Connecticut’s largest cities, Middletown has the cheapest rates and West Haven has the most expensive car insurance rates. West Haven drivers could face rates 5 times more than Middletown drivers.
Connecticut is one state where you don’t want to take the risk of driving without car insurance. You’ll need to purchase both liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to remain legal under state laws or face a suite of stiff penalties that include fines, suspensions and even a stint in jail.
To get the cheapest coverage for your needs, carefully research your car insurance options when driving in Connecticut.
Frequently asked questions about Connecticut car insurance
You must first have valid car insurance before you can register your car in Connecticut. To register your car, visit your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles. Your car will need to pass an emissions test, and you’ll need to submit your vehicle title, a completed application and proof of ID and pay a fee.
Each car insurance provider and policy varies, but it’s possible that your car insurance rates will go up if you file a claim. Some providers offer accident forgiveness programs that ensure your premium stays the same after your first accident. But in many cases, a claim on your policy raises your risk profile — and, in turn, your rates.
Yes, your car insurance has the right to cancel your policy at any time. But most providers reserve cancellation for policyholders who file multiple claims in a short time or engage in risky driving behaviors that result in multiple tickets or DUI/DWIs. You will typically receive notice from your car insurance company before it cancels your policy.
If you’re unable to find an insurance carrier, you can apply for insurance through the Connecticut Automobile Insurance Assigned Risk Plan, which provides insurance for high-risk drivers that aren’t able to find private coverage.
This alternative comes with premiums that can be significantly higher than your standard rates, so be sure to thoroughly compare your options before taking up this last resort.
Megan B. Shepherd is a personal finance editor at Finder committed to helping Americans navigate the financial world of loans and insurance.
Her personal finance expertise has been featured on Forbes, Nasdaq, MediaFeed, Fox News, Time, Reviews.com, and carinsurance.com, adding invaluable information related to personal loans, financial strategies, insurance and smart borrowing tactics.
With a background working as an insurance specialist and a once-certified general lines insurance agent, Megan also specializes in helping consumers evaluate their insurance coverage options.
Outside of her role as a personal finance loans expert, Megan has also earned certificates of completion from A.D. Banker & Company, enriching her expertise with HIPAA, personal auto insurance, ethics of insurance, personal lines, and life insurance plans and policies.
Megan graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BS in Business Administration with an entrepreneurial focus.
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