Auto Insurance in Connecticut: Required Coverage, Smart Options & Claim Essentials
Auto insurance is a necessary part of owning and operating a vehicle, but the different types of coverage—and the rules about using them—can be confusing. In Connecticut, certain coverage is required by law, while other options can offer valuable protection but may not be mandated. Understanding how these coverages work, the risks of avoiding claims, and your obligations to disclose coverage can help you make informed choices about your policy.
Required Auto Insurance in Connecticut
To register and legally operate a vehicle in Connecticut, state law requires you to maintain a minimum amount of liability insurance. These limits are:
Bodily Injury Liability: At least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: At least $25,000 per accident
While the Connecticut DMV does not specifically list Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as a condition for vehicle registration, state law mandates that auto insurance policies automatically include UM/UIM coverage equal to your liability limits. Additionally, you can usually purchase extra UM/UIM protection—up to twice your liability coverage limits—to better protect yourself and your passengers in case you are injured by a driver who has little or no insurance.
Optional Coverages That Add Protection
Beyond the state minimums, several optional coverages can help protect you financially:
Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damages unrelated to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or weather events.
Medical Payments Coverage: Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault.
Gap Insurance: If you are leasing or financing your car, gap coverage pays the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and the amount you still owe on the loan if your car is totaled.
Roadside Assistance and Rental Reimbursement: Provide support in emergencies and help with temporary transportation needs.
Why Some Drivers Choose Not to Make Claims
Some policyholders avoid filing claims on their own insurance for minor incidents. The main reasons include:
Fear of Premium Increases: Many drivers worry that filing a claim—even a small one—will cause their rates to rise.
Deductible Costs: If repair costs are close to or lower than your deductible, filing a claim may not make financial sense.
Preserving a Clean Claim History: A history of frequent claims can affect your insurability in the future.
However, Connecticut law protects drivers in certain cases. Insurers cannot assign a surcharge for an accident involving only property damage of $1,000 or less, or for an accident caused by someone other than the named insured, a resident relative, or a customary operator of the vehicle (C.G.S. §38a-686).
The Risk of Not Disclosing Coverage
Even if you plan to avoid using certain coverages, in some situations you may be required to disclose all applicable insurance after an accident. Failing to do so can:
Be considered a form of misrepresentation or fraud.
Complicate your ability to recover damages from other parties or other insurance coverage.
Impact the legal handling of your case if a lawsuit results from the accident.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent Before Dropping or Avoiding Coverage
If you rarely file claims or prefer to pay out of pocket for small accidents, speak with your insurance agent before deciding to waive or avoid using coverage. An agent can help you:
Understand your true risk exposure.
Evaluate whether lowering or declining coverage makes sense for you.
Determine if optional coverages like gap insurance or higher UM/UIM limits are worth keeping for extra protection.
If you’ve been in an accident or need legal advice about auto insurance claims in Connecticut, contact Guendelsberger Law Offices today. Our experienced attorneys in New Milford can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance disputes, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.