Driving is an essential part of our daily routine, and unfortunately, at least once in our lifetime, we may be impacted physically and/or financially by an auto accident. When this happens, Connecticut car insurance can greatly impact our financial future. Every state has variations in its auto insurance laws. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Connecticut Car Insurance and Minimum Liability Coverage
In the state of Connecticut, every vehicle needs to have at least minimum liability coverage. This is an important part of our Connecticut car insurance and will help to cover vehicle repairs, liability, and medical costs for the other person or people involved in an accident.
The minimum coverage limits in Connecticut are $25,000 per person involved in the crash, $50,000 coverage for overall bodily injury, and $25,000 for the total property damage. Any individual driving in Connecticut MUST carry these minimums at all times or else face fines and the suspension of their license. It is, however, strongly recommended to consider significantly higher limits than required by law. One of our qualified agents can review your liability needs and options with you.
In the event that you are involved in a wreck without sufficient limits, you run the risk of having liens put on your house, wages garnished up to 20%, inheritances and even having lottery winnings taken to cover losses beyond the policy limits. This is why it is important to understand the various limits and finding the ones that make the most sense for you. Basically, the more you have to lose, the higher your limits should be.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when you are involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. This coverage helps cover medical expenses, lost wages (past and future), payment for short and long-term disabilities, and other accident-related costs such as property damage and even pain and suffering when the at-fault party cannot pay for these expenses. In short, UM coverage protects you, your family, and other passengers in your car from injuries caused by someone who did not buy auto insurance. UM covers “you.”
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play when you’re in an accident with a driver who has insurance but lacks sufficient coverage to pay for all your losses, such as the state minimum limits referenced above. Without UIM coverage, you may find yourself responsible for the difference between the at-fault driver’s coverage and your actual losses. This could leave you facing significant financial strain during your recovery.
It is important to note that the protection available under standard UIM coverage is usually reduced by amounts paid by workers’ compensation or by the at-fault driver, unless “Conversion” coverage is purchased, which adds your limits to the other driver’s limits, for a small premium.
No-Fault Insurance in Connecticut
Connecticut is considered a “no-fault” state meaning that your medical bills and related expenses will be covered by your insurance no matter who was at fault in the event of an auto accident. This ensures that drivers will be able to get care for their injuries without first having to determine who is at fault. Not only will no-fault coverage handle your hospital bills, but it will also cover such things a funeral expenses, lost income, household services and other expenses related to the accident. No-fault coverage does not apply to property damage or to other injured parties.
Proof of Insurance Requirements
In Connecticut, it is a state law that you need to carry proof of car insurance in your car. A person must have it with them at all times when operating a vehicle in the event the police pull them over and ask for it. If someone does not have it on their person when the officer asks, they risk a fine. Connecticut has an Electronic Insurance Verification program which lets officers see an up-to-date list of people who have expired insurance, allowing them to check this information quickly.
One helpful tip would be to take a picture of your insurance card, and also your driver’s license, and store it somewhere easily accessible on your cell phone.
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs or replacements due to theft, vandalism, weather-related damage or other non-collision damages. Collision coverage covers your vehicle(s) when involved in accidents either with other vehicles or stationary objects such as a tree or guardrail.
About Brooks, Todd & McNeil
Since 1839, the independent agents at Brooks, Todd & McNeil have been pleased to offer our community the most comprehensive policy options from a variety of providers. Our dedicated agents are ready to put their 75 years of combined experience to work on your claims. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today at (800) 448-4567.