What Does Auto Insurance Actually Cover in Connecticut?

Published: July 9, 2025

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really covered if something happens on the road?”—you’re not alone. Many Connecticut drivers carry just enough coverage to meet the legal minimums, without fully understanding what their policy actually protects (or doesn’t).

According to Mark Castelhano, Principal Agent at Spectrum Insurance, “People tend to think, ‘I have insurance, I’m all set.’ But that only tells part of the story. The question is whether your insurance is enough to actually protect you when things go wrong.”

Here’s a clear look at what auto insurance really covers in Connecticut, what the state requires, and how to know if you should increase your limits.

What Are the State Minimums for Auto Insurance in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires all drivers to carry:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 in property damage liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage equal to bodily injury limits

These are often called “25/50/25 limits.” They’re the legal bare minimum—enough to register and drive your vehicle, but not necessarily enough to protect your finances in a serious accident.

What Does That Insurance Actually Cover?

• Bodily Injury Liability pays for injuries to others if you cause an accident
• Property Damage Liability pays for damage to someone else’s vehicle or property
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage protects you if another driver hits you and doesn’t have enough coverage

It does not cover your own medical bills, damage to your car, rental cars, or towing—unless you add those separately.

Why State Minimums May Not Be Enough

Let’s say you cause a major accident on I-91 and injure three people. Hospital bills, rehab, and lost wages can easily exceed $100,000. If your policy only covers $50,000 total for bodily injury, you’re personally responsible for the rest.

“If your insurance doesn’t cover it, your savings, wages, even your home could be at risk,” says Castelhano. “That’s why we often recommend raising limits—it’s not about spending more, it’s about protecting what you’ve worked for.”

How Raising Your Limits Can Make a Big Difference

Here’s how your coverage might look if you raise your limits from the state minimum to something more protective:

• 100/300/100 = $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for bodily injury / $100,000 for property damage
• This might cost you $10–$20 more per month, depending on your carrier—but provides 4x the protection

Raising limits also increases your uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you from other underinsured drivers—a common issue in Connecticut.

Optional Coverages to Consider Adding

Beyond liability, you can add several coverages that many drivers in CT choose to include:

• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your own car after an accident, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, falling trees, etc.
• Rental Reimbursement: Helps cover the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired
• Roadside Assistance: Includes towing, jumpstarts, and lockout services
• Gap Coverage: Pays the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on your loan

Castelhano points out, “Optional coverages aren’t always about luxury—they’re often what make the difference between a covered claim and a major financial setback.”

What Makes Your Auto Insurance Go Up in Connecticut?

Even if you haven’t made changes to your policy, you may notice rate increases. Here are the biggest contributors:

• Rising repair and medical costs
• Increased accident frequency in your ZIP code
• Adding a young or high-risk driver to your policy
• Past claims, tickets, or accidents
• Changing your vehicle to a newer or higher-risk model
• Switching your address to a higher-risk area (urban vs rural makes a big difference)
• Low credit score (CT insurers are allowed to use credit as a rating factor)

Insurers file rate adjustments with the state based on broad trends—not just your individual history. That’s why even safe drivers sometimes see premium increases.

How to Tell If You’re Properly Covered

Ask yourself:

• If I caused a serious accident today, would my policy fully protect me?
• Could I afford to pay out-of-pocket for a totaled vehicle or lawsuit?
• Am I relying on state minimums and assuming it’s enough?

If any of those answers raise doubts, it’s worth reviewing your policy.

Mark adds, “Most people don’t realize how exposed they are until it’s too late. A 15-minute conversation with an independent agent can save you from thousands of dollars in exposure.”



Bottom Line

Connecticut’s state minimum auto insurance is a starting point—but it’s not where protection ends. Whether you’re insuring your first car or reevaluating coverage after years of driving, knowing what your policy truly covers is critical.

Spectrum Insurance is here to help. We’re independent, local, and committed to helping CT drivers get the protection they actually need—without overpaying for things they don’t.

Call (860) 785-4854 or request a free policy review today.

Disclaimer:  This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage recommendations are general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Spectrum Insurance LLC is a licensed insurance agency in the state of Connecticut. Insurance products, terms, and availability may vary by carrier and state. Always consult directly with a licensed insurance professional to review your individual needs and policy details. Find Spectrum Insurance's licensing information here: License Information

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