The Complete Guide to Connecticut Car Insurance

Lemonade is on the way to the Constitution State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things CT car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.

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How much does car insurance cost in Connecticut?

Car insurance in Connecticut averages $305/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:

City	Average cost of car insurance
Bridgeport	$431
Stamford	$338
New Haven	$428
Hartford	$428
Waterbury	$392

Source: ValuePenguin

Why is car insurance so high in Connecticut?

Connecticut drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs

Uninsured drivers

While only 6.3% of drivers in Connecticut are uninsured (vs. 13% nationally), other factors like repair costs and claim frequency drive premiums higher.

Car theft

FBI data shows there were 8,699 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in CT, down 19% from the previous year.

Natural disasters

CT has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 38, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and inland flooding are still threats.

What car insurance do I need in Connecticut?

All Connecticut drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:

Required minimum coverages for Connecticut drivers	Minimum amount required	What’s covered	What’s not covered
Bodily injury liability	$25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident)	Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident	Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits
Property damage liability	$25,000	Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property	Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury	$25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident)	Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance	Car damage, amounts above your limits

What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Connecticut?

Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Connecticut drivers

Collision coverage

Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.

Comprehensive coverage

Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.

Rental car reimbursement

Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer

What does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Connecticut?

Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.

Vandalism
Fire damage
Weather damage
Theft
Injuries to other people
Damage to property
Damage from a collision
Fender benders
Rental car reimbursement
Towing
Roadside assistance
Windshield damage

Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from trail riding in state forests

How much car insurance do I need in Connecticut?

You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Connecticut labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.

City	Body repair	Frame repair	Mechanical repair	Paint repair
Stamford	$82	$95	$125	$82
Bristol	$87	$109	$154	$87
West Haven	$89	$120	$154	$89
New Haven	$89	$120	$154	$89
Danbury	$89	$106	$168	$89

Source: Caliber

What happens if I drive without insurance in Connecticut?

Connecticut takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.

Fines

Actually driving uninsured costs $100-$1,000. Just owning an uninsured car? $500. No proof of insurance? $117 total.

Suspension

One month suspension for first conviction, six months for repeats. Registration suspended if you don’t maintain insurance.

Jail time

Up to three months in jail if you’re caught actually driving without insurance.

What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Connecticut?

You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:

Your Details

Driver's license number
Social Security number (for credit check)

Your Car

VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
Current registration or title

Your History

Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)

Your Preferences

How much coverage you want
Deductible amount you're comfortable with
Monthly budget range

How does car insurance work in Connecticut?

Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.

Pick your protection

Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.

Make payments

Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.

When S%!t happens

File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.

Connecticut car insurance FAQs

Is Connecticut a no-fault state?

No, Connecticut isn’t a no-fault state. It’s an at-fault system where the responsible driver covers damages. If you’re injured, you can file a claim against their liability insurance or sue directly. Connecticut doesn’t require PIP coverage.

Do I need insurance to register a car in Connecticut?

Yes, Connecticut requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must show evidence of minimum liability coverage during registration. Insurance is electronically verified by the state — and a lapse in coverage can lead to registration suspension.

What are the top risks for driving in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s primary driving risks center on heavy traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas and major highways. Aggressive driving behaviors and excessive speeding contribute to frequent accidents, while winter snow and ice create additional hazards. Many of the state’s older, narrow roads compound these challenges.

How long do I have to report an accident in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to police immediately. If an officer responds, they’ll complete the official report. If no officer responds, you must file a written report with the DMV within 5 days. Insurance claims should be reported as soon as possible.

What are the top safety tips for driving in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, traffic’s brutal, so give yourself extra time and don’t get aggressive with other drivers. Winter weather makes everything slick, so pump the brakes and leave more space when it’s snowy or icy. Those narrow, older roads can be tricky. Put the phone down, especially during rush hour.

All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026