Compare car insurance in Connecticut

Compare Connecticut’s driving rules and insurance requirements and get the best rate on your car insurance coverage.

Most popular Connecticut auto insurance companies list

Cheapest car insurance in Connecticut

• Quote methodology: driver profile & coverage options

  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.

• Bristol
• Stamford
• West Haven
• Wallingford
• Middletown

State minimum requirements in Connecticut

When driving in Connecticut, you must keep hard-copy proof of your car insurance — either your policy’s declaration page or your permanent ID card — in your car at all times or face up to $50 in fines. State law does not allow you to present a digital version of your ID on your phone or tablet to prove coverage.

Harsher still, if you lend your uninsured car to a friend and they get caught, the burden of responsibility falls on you: the car’s owner. Your friend? They pay up to $1,000 in fines on top of the penalties for driving an uninsured vehicle.

Depending on your state of residence, you face varying minimum requirements for car insurance. In Connecticut, you can’t legally drive unless you carry liability insurance that includes at least:

• $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $40,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability coverage per accident

When shopping for car insurance, you may see these liability limits written as 20/40/10.

Some 20 states mandate that its drivers also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects a driver if they’re involved in an accident with another driver that isn’t adequately covered by a car insurance policy. Connecticut is one of those states, requiring:

• $20,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person.
• $40,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident.

Can I get SR-22 insurance in Connecticut?

You might need an SR-22 in Connecticut if you’ve gotten a DUI, lost your license or have too many points on your driving record. SR-22 tells the state you have the minimum coverage required to get back behind the wheel.
How long should your disability elimination period last?

Bottom line

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

• How do I register my car in Connecticut?

  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.

• Will my rates increase if I file a claim with my car insurance?

  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.

• Can my insurance company cancel my policy if I file a claim?

  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.

• I’m having trouble finding car insurance in Connecticut. Any suggestions?

  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.