7 Crucial Things You Must Know About Connecticut Car Insurance
**1. Connecticut Car Insurance Basics**
Every Connecticut driver is required to have auto insurance. The minimum required limits are:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
You can choose to purchase higher limits if you want more protection.
In addition to liability coverage, you can also purchase other types of coverage, such as:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your car if you are in an accident with another vehicle.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damage to your car from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, and weather damage.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Pays for injuries and damages if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or who does not have enough insurance.
**2. How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Connecticut?**
The average cost of car insurance in Connecticut is $1,234 per year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). However, rates can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Your driving history
- The make and model of your car
- The amount of coverage you choose
- Your credit score
You can get a free car insurance quote from multiple insurance companies to compare rates.
**3. How to Save Money on Car Insurance**
There are a number of ways to save money on car insurance, including:
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Increase your deductible. The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Increasing your deductible can lower your premium.
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Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a defensive driving course.
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Maintain a good credit score. Insurance companies use your credit score to determine your risk level. A higher credit score can lead to lower insurance premiums.
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Bundle your policies. If you have multiple insurance policies, such as home and auto insurance, you may be able to get a discount by bundling them with the same insurance company.
**4. What to Do If You're in a Car Accident**
If you are in a car accident, it is important to:
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Stay calm and check for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.
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Exchange information with the other driver(s). This includes your name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
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Take photos of the accident scene. This will help your insurance company determine what happened.
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File a police report. This is especially important if there are any injuries or significant property damage.
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Contact your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
**5. Connecticut Car Insurance Laws**
In addition to the minimum required coverage, Connecticut has a number of other car insurance laws. These laws include:
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Financial Responsibility Law. All drivers in Connecticut must be able to prove that they have the financial resources to pay for damages in the event of an accident. You can do this by purchasing car insurance, posting a bond, or self-insuring.
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Uninsured Motorist Law. All drivers in Connecticut must have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage pays for injuries and damages if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance.
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Underinsured Motorist Law. All drivers in Connecticut must have underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage pays for injuries and damages if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to cover your damages.
**6. Connecticut Car Insurance Companies**
There are a number of different car insurance companies that operate in Connecticut. Some of the largest companies include:
- Allstate
- Geico
- Liberty Mutual
- Progressive
- State Farm
You can get quotes from multiple insurance companies to compare rates and coverage options.
**7. Conclusion**
Car insurance is an important part of driving in Connecticut. By understanding the basics of car insurance, you can make sure that you have the coverage you need at a price you can afford.