Short answer: Connecticut requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $25,000 for property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Your UM/UIM limits generally match your liability limits unless you sign an informed consent form to lower them.
The required coverage
The Connecticut Insurance Department's auto insurance overview cites Conn. Gen. Stat. §14-112 for these minimums:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability, per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability, per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability, per accident | $25,000 |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist, per person / per accident | $25,000 / $50,000 |
The department adds that drivers "are strongly urged to consider higher limits," and that insurers must notify the Department of Motor Vehicles when a policy is canceled.
The 2018 increase
Insurance Department Bulletin PC-86 explains that Public Act 17-114 raised the minimums from 20/40/10 to 25/50/25, and the UM/UIM minimum from 20/40 to 25/50, for policies delivered, issued, renewed, amended or endorsed on or after January 1, 2018. If you haven't reviewed an older policy in years, check that its limits were updated.
UM/UIM: tied to your liability limits
Connecticut's uninsured and underinsured motorist rules, in §38a-336, tie this coverage closely to the rest of your policy:
- Default limits. Your UM/UIM limits must equal your bodily injury liability limits unless a named insured lowers them in writing on an informed consent form. They can't go below 25/50.
- Higher options. Insurers must offer UM/UIM limits up to twice your bodily injury liability limits.
- Conversion coverage. Insurers must also offer underinsured motorist conversion coverage, which changes how the at-fault driver's liability payment interacts with your UIM limits.
Bulletin PC-86 reminded insurers to update their informed consent forms and to get new signed forms when converting policies to the new minimums.
Why the default matters
If you buy 100/300 liability and sign nothing, your UM/UIM should also be 100/300. Lowering UM/UIM requires a signed informed consent form, so check your declarations page and any forms you signed.
Penalties for driving uninsured
Under §14-213b, operating or allowing operation of an uninsured vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor, with a fine of $100 to $1,000. The DMV also suspends registration and the operator's license for one month after a first conviction, and six months after a later one.
Fault: the 51% bar
Connecticut uses modified comparative negligence (§52-572h). You can recover if your negligence isn't greater than the combined negligence of the people you're suing, and your damages are reduced by your share. At 51% or more, you recover nothing from them.
Coverage beyond liability
The Insurance Department describes the optional physical damage coverages:
- Collision pays for damage to your car from hitting an object. It's not required by law, but lenders and leasing companies may require it.
- Comprehensive covers almost all other causes, including fire, severe weather, vandalism, floods and theft. It's also optional.
Scenarios
You're hit in Hartford by a driver carrying only 25/50. If your injuries exceed $25,000, your UIM coverage can help, which is why matching UIM to your own liability limits matters.
You signed a form years ago lowering UM to the minimum. That choice may still apply. Ask your insurer for the current informed consent form if you want to raise it.
A New Haven driver lets coverage lapse and is convicted. Expect a fine of $100 to $1,000 and a one-month registration and license suspension for a first offense.
A crash in Stamford where you're found 40% at fault. You can still recover, reduced by 40%.
Choosing limits
If you own a home or have savings, consider limits well above 25/50/25. An umbrella policy will require specific underlying limits. Because UM/UIM follows your liability limits by default, raising liability raises your own protection too. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Bottom line
Connecticut's floor is 25/50/25 plus 25/50 UM/UIM. The most important detail is the link between your liability and UM/UIM limits, and the informed consent form that breaks it.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Connecticut and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Connecticut?
25/50/25 liability plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
When did Connecticut raise its minimum limits?
Public Act 17-114 raised them from 20/40/10 to 25/50/25 for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2018.
Do my UM/UIM limits have to match my liability limits in Connecticut?
Yes, unless a named insured signs an informed consent form choosing lower limits, which can't go below 25/50.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Connecticut?
A Class C misdemeanor with a $100 to $1,000 fine, plus registration and license suspension.
Can I recover damages if I'm partly at fault in Connecticut?
Yes, if your negligence isn't greater than the combined negligence of the defendants. Damages are reduced by your share.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.