Accident Auto Insurance: Connecticut

All 50 states in the U.S. require some form of auto insurance (also called accident auto insurance, motor insurance, or vehicle insurance), but different states have different minimum requirements and different penalties for failing to provide the minimum auto insurance coverage. It is important that you know your state's auto insurance minimum requirements and your options above and beyond what the state requires.

Types of auto insurance coverage:

Liability
In the event of an auto accident, liability auto insurance pays for bodily injuries as well as property damages to the other (injured) party or parties. Included in bodily injuries are the medical expenses, compensation for pain and suffering, in addition to compensation for lost wages due to the accident. Included in property damages are both damages to the other vehicle in the auto accident as well as damages to any other property involved. Liability auto insurance also pays for court costs and defense attorney costs.
Collision
In the event of an auto accident (between your car and either another car or an object), collision auto insurance pays for damages to your vehicle caused by the incident.

Comprehensive
In an event other than an auto accident, such as flood, wind, fire, hail, theft, vandalism, comprehensive auto insurance pays for loss or damages to your insured vehicle.

Medical Coverage
In the event of an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault, medical coverage auto insurance pays for the medical expenses.
PIP (Personal Injury Protection)
In the event of an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault, PIP auto insurance pays for your (as the injured party) medical expenses incurred from the accident.

Uninsured Motorist
In the event of an auto accident with an uninsured motorist, uninsured motorist auto insurance pays for your insured car's damages from the accident.
Underinsured Motorist
In the event of an auto accident, underinsured motorist auto insurance pays for your insured car's damages when the other motorist has insufficient liability insurance to pay for the damages from the accident. Rental Reimbursement
In the event of an auto accident, rental reimbursement auto insurance pays for a rental car due to the damages of your insured car (usually with a daily price limit).

Connecticut Law Minimum Requirements for Accident Auto Insurance
Liability Insurance: $20,000 for bodily injuries and/or death to one person caused by an auto accident; $40,000 for bodily injuries and/or death to all persons caused by an auto accident; $10,000 for property damages caused by an auto accident. Insurance policy must be obtained by a legitimate auto insurance provider recognized by Connecticut.

Connecticut's Proof of Auto Insurance
When you register a motor vehicle or you get stopped by an officer for a traffic violation, you will be required to show a valid insurance card. You must carry proof of current valid auto insurance in your vehicle at all times.
Connecticut Law Auto Insurance Penalties
If stopped for a traffic violation and you do not produce a valid insurance card for the officer you may be cited an additional violation. If your auto insurance on your registered vehicle lapses (expires or is canceled), your insurance company is required to, and will, notify the DMV. The DMV will then contact the vehicle's owner to produce evidence of valid insurance or pay a $200 fine. If you do not respond, the vehicle's registration will be suspended, and if you continue to ignore them, DMV will not reactivate the registration, and if you continue to ignore the auto insurance requirement you may lose any future ability to register other vehicles.

As always it is important to shop around for auto insurance quotes, as rates can vary greatly between companies. Also, when you get auto insurance quotes, be sure to ask about special discounts which are often given based on age, marital status, location, etc.