Driving in Connecticut requires maintaining minimum liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Failure to comply can result in fines, suspension, impoundment, and other penalties.
Minimum Liability Coverage in Connecticut
As of 2025, Connecticut law requires the following minimum car insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
This is often referred to as “25/50/25” coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Connecticut requires UM/UIM coverage equal to your bodily injury limits. However, you may purchase up to double your BI limits and opt for conversion coverage, which prevents your benefits from being reduced by any payout from the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Minimum: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- Optional: Higher limits (e.g., 50/100, 100/200)
- Conversion Coverage: Lets your full UM/UIM payout stack on top of the other party’s insurance
Optional Coverages to Consider
- Comprehensive Coverage (theft, vandalism, weather damage)
- Collision Coverage (damage from crashes regardless of fault)
- Medical Payments (MedPay)
- Rental Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
Proof of Insurance Requirements
Connecticut law requires you to carry proof of insurance—either a printed ID card or a digital version on your phone. You must present it during:
- Traffic stops
- Vehicle accidents
- Restoring a suspended registration
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
- First offense: $100–$1,000 fine, 1-month license and registration suspension, $175 restoration fee
- Repeat offenses: Class C misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine, up to 3 months jail time, longer suspension, SR-22-like requirement
- Vehicles with suspended registration may be impounded and forfeited after 45 days
Why Consider Higher Coverage?
Connecticut has a relatively high percentage of uninsured drivers (~12%) and rising healthcare costs. Choosing higher liability and UM/UIM limits—especially with conversion—can offer greater financial protection after a serious accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Connecticut uses an at-fault (tort) system, where the at-fault driver is responsible for damages.
Yes. Your UM/UIM coverage must match your bodily injury limits. You can increase limits and add conversion coverage for stronger protection.
Connecticut doesn’t officially use the SR-22 form, but you may still be required to show proof of financial responsibility after major violations.
Curious how insurance laws compare nearby? See requirements in
New York,
Massachusetts, and
Rhode Island.