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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Here's what you need to know when driving in Connecticut

Car insurance in Connecticut costs $1,551 per year — just $22 more than the national average rate. What you pay for auto insurance is highly individual, depending on personal factors such as age, location, driving record and more.

In our guide to Connecticut car insurance, we analyzed average car insurance rates to help you find an affordable policy. Continue reading to find out how much auto insurance costs in Connecticut so you know what's fair for your situation. If you're ready to see how much you can save by shopping around, submit your ZIP code above to get auto insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Connecticut

Here are the top three car insurance companies in Connecticut, according to third-party ratings from J.D. Power.

1st place medal
USAA

USAA received a score of 887 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and also won top marks in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

2nd place medal
Amica

Scoring 867 out of 1,000, Amica Mutual is well-regarded for its customer and claims satisfaction.

3rd place medal
State Farm

One of the most popular insurance companies, State Farm was given an assessment of 855 out of 1,000.

Key takeaways
  • Connecticut drivers pay about 1% more for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Connecticut is USAA

The cheapest car insurance companies in Connecticut

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

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Cheapest for full coverage — USAA

Rates for USAA come in at $1,304 annually or about $109 per month.

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Cheapest after DUI — State Farm

The most affordable company after a DUI is State Farm.

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Cheapest for teen drivers — USAA

USAA is the cheapest insurance company in Connecticut for teen drivers.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,304
Amica Mutual $1,472
Nationwide $1,561
State Farm $1,575
GEICO $1,864
Progressive $2,085
Allstate $2,534

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Connecticut auto insurance laws

Car insurance is required in almost every state, including Connecticut. In order to be road-legal, Connecticut requires every driver to maintain a certain level of car insurance — and proof of coverage.

Opting for the legal minimum coverage level is cheaper than full coverage, but can leave you at risk. In Connecticut, expect to pay $728 every year for the state minimum level of coverage. This rate is less expensive than the nationwide average by 52%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Connecticut, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident
  • Property damage: $25,000 per accident

Drivers must also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at these levels:

  • Bodily injury: $25,000 per person
  • Bodily injury: $50,000 per accident

Optional coverage in Connecticut (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Gap coverage
  • Medical payments
  • Roadside assistance
  • Rental car reimbursement
car with blue windshield

Getting a policy that includes comprehensive and collision — also known as full coverage — will provide more robust protection that covers your own vehicle. These cover events like car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents.

But better coverage comes at a higher cost. A comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,418 in Connecticut — that's 95% more than liability-only insurance. If you choose a full coverage policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 117% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Connecticut car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Connecticut with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Connecticut.

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Connecticut car insurance premiums by rating factor

Insurers use personal information as rating factors when generating quotes. Your age, driving history, coverage level, location and more are used to price your premium. Every company weighs these factors differently.

To get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay in Connecticut, consult average rates by different rating factors below.

Cheap auto insurance in Connecticut for minimum coverage

If you choose liability-only coverage at the state minimum level rather than full coverage, your premium will be much lower but it can leave you at risk. In Connecticut, the average cost for minimum coverage is $61 per month, or $728 yearly — a savings of $849 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $530
Amica Mutual $627
GEICO $688
State Farm $741
Nationwide $869
Allstate $870
Progressive $1,105

Cheap auto insurance in Connecticut with bad credit

Except for a select few states that have banned the practice, your credit score is used as a rating factor. This is because insurance companies view credit history as an indicator of risk — past data inform insurers that there is a correlation between having bad credit and an increased propensity for filing claims.

In Connecticut, drivers with poor credit pay an additional $1,323 yearly compared to drivers with excellent credit. Consult average rates from different insurance companies below and use this information as a jumping-off point in your search for affordable insurance with bad credit.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,997
Nationwide $2,311
GEICO $2,402
Amica Mutual $2,787
Progressive $3,019
State Farm $3,142
Allstate $4,216

Cheap auto insurance in Connecticut with an at-fault accident

It's well-known that an at-fault accident on your record will drive up your car insurance rate. Insurance companies view you as a riskier client if you've caused accidents in the past. In Connecticut, an at-fault accident can raise your rate by as much as $674 yearly.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,837
State Farm $1,864
Amica Mutual $1,979
GEICO $2,426
Nationwide $2,577
Progressive $3,358
Allstate $4,477

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Connecticut

Car insurance for teens and drivers in their 20s can be gratuitously pricey because of young adults' relative driving inexperience compared to older age groups. Insurers account for this elevated risk by charging higher premiums the younger you are. In Connecticut, teen drivers pay $6,046 per year, which is over $4,500 more than the national average and 290% more than what a 30-year-old Connecticut driver would pay.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $4,336
GEICO $4,725
State Farm $5,684
Nationwide $6,950
Amica Mutual $7,148
Allstate $7,195
Progressive $10,756

Connecticut auto insurance rate by violation

While every company's pricing is different, having a ticket or citation on your driving record will trigger a rate increase. It's difficult to say exactly how much your premium will go up, but we can provide general estimates.

See below for average auto insurance rates in Connecticut after a variety of citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,963 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,965 0% $2
Not-at-fault accident $2,037 4% $74
Two Med/PIP claims $2,038 4% $75
One comp claim $2,088 6% $125
Driving without lights $2,235 14% $272
Two comp claims $2,236 14% $273
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,253 15% $291
Child safety restraint $2,276 16% $313
Failure to show documents $2,290 17% $327
Driving with expired registration $2,312 18% $349
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,333 19% $371
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,342 19% $379
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,342 19% $379
Cell phone violation $2,351 20% $388
Texting while driving $2,351 20% $388
Driving too slowly $2,363 20% $400
Failure to stop at a red light $2,365 20% $402
Following too closely $2,365 20% $402
Illegal turn $2,365 20% $402
Failure to yield $2,365 20% $402
Speeding in school zone $2,372 21% $409
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,373 21% $410
Improper passing $2,373 21% $410
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,385 21% $422
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,393 22% $431
In 65 MPH zone $2,460 25% $497
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,544 30% $581
Passing school bus $2,603 33% $640
Open container $2,647 35% $684
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,048 55% $1,085
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,054 56% $1,091
Racing $4,097 109% $2,134
Reckless driving $4,153 112% $2,190
Driving with a suspended license $4,211 115% $2,248
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $4,214 115% $2,251
DUI $4,283 118% $2,320
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,366 122% $2,403

Connecticut DUI laws

Getting a DUI in Connecticut can increase your car insurance premium by $2,320 annually. Because a DUI often causes a significant jump in premium costs compared to other citations, it can be difficult to find affordable auto insurance in the aftermath of a DUI conviction.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Connecticut

It's of the utmost importance to assess each of your insurance choices carefully if you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Connecticut and need to find car insurance you can afford. Car insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Connecticut, State Farm, advertises annual rates 49% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Connecticut is Progressive, while the most expensive is Amica, with prices 28% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $2,204
Progressive $2,465
USAA $2,760
Nationwide $3,207
GEICO $3,446
Allstate $3,624
Amica Mutual $5,463

The hard truth is that you likely won't be able to find a cheap rate after a DUI that's as low as a rate you'd get without a DUI on your record. The best thing you can do to save after a DUI citation is to shop around with as many companies as possible.

 

Connecticut SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Connecticut to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Connecticut might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Connecticut

For currently insured drivers

If you already have an active auto insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 is fairly straightforward. Contact your insurance company and request that the company file an SR-22 certificate request on your behalf. If your current insurance company won't request a certificate, you should look for a new auto insurance company.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might have to pay an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification might disqualify you from getting coverage from some companies, while others will sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should apply for a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage is typically cheaper than traditional coverage since it doesn't cover physical damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Connecticut in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, and an important one is the location of the vehicle. The cheapest car insurance in Connecticut is found in Stonington and Pawcatuck, and the most expensive in New Haven.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Connecticut's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Stamford $2,097
Waterbury $2,496
Hartford $2,702
Bridgeport $2,707
New Haven $2,714

Car insurance price trends in Connecticut

In Connecticut, average annual auto insurance costs increased by just $9 in the past year. A typical Connecticut driver pays an average of $1,551 per year or $129 per month.

Year over year pricing trends in Connecticut show that car insurance has gotten more affordable over time in the state — from 2012 to 2016, the average cost continually declined, sometimes by hundreds of dollars, before increasing once again in 2017. Compared to nationwide averages, auto insurance rates in Connecticut tend to be more volatile.

CONNECTICUT CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Connecticut Yearly Change — Connecticut Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,551 $9 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,542 -$150 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,692 $103 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,589 $78 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,511 $288 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,223 -$361 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,584 -$21 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,605 -$33 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,638 -$355 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,993 $227 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Connecticut car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Connecticut auto insurance.

USAA ($1,304/year), Amica and Nationwide offer the cheapest rates for Connecticut drivers. The best way to ensure you get the best deal on car insurance is by comparing quotes.

Car insurance in Connecticut costs $1,551 per year — $22 more than the national average rate.

Connecticut requires standard liability coverage at 25/50/25 plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at 25/50 limits.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.