Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Connecticut requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also mandatory at the same limits. SR-22 filing is required for drivers convicted of DUI, those with suspended licenses due to violations or uninsured accidents, and individuals seeking reinstatement after certain administrative actions. These minimums provide limited protection for high-risk drivers who may face greater financial exposure in subsequent incidents.
Covers injuries you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Connecticut's 25/50 minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents—medical bills from a multi-vehicle collision can easily exceed $50,000. High-risk drivers should consider 50/100 or 100/300 limits to reduce personal liability exposure, especially when working to rebuild financial stability after a DUI or major violation.
Pays for damage to other vehicles and property you cause in an accident. The $25,000 minimum may not cover a totaled vehicle plus guardrail or median barrier damage common in Connecticut highway accidents. Increasing to $50,000 or $100,000 provides better protection and demonstrates financial responsibility during the SR-22 filing period.
Connecticut mandates both uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage at the same limits as your bodily injury liability. This coverage protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage—critical for high-risk drivers who cannot afford out-of-pocket medical expenses while managing elevated premiums. You can reject UIM in writing, but doing so eliminates a key financial safeguard.
An SR-22 is not insurance but a filing your carrier submits to the Connecticut DMV proving you maintain continuous coverage. Required for 3 years following DUI convictions, suspensions for accumulating violations, or uninsured accidents. Any lapse triggers immediate license suspension and restarts the 3-year filing period, so maintaining uninterrupted coverage with an SR-22-authorized carrier is essential.
These optional coverages protect your vehicle from damage (collision) and non-accident losses like theft or weather (comprehensive). High-risk drivers with financed vehicles must carry both to satisfy lender requirements. Even if your car is paid off, comprehensive coverage is often affordable and prevents total loss from an uninsured incident, preserving your ability to commute and maintain employment during rate recovery.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in Connecticut typically costs $2,100–$4,500 annually for drivers with DUIs, major violations, or SR-22 requirements, compared to $1,200–$1,800 for clean-record drivers. Rates vary based on violation severity, time since incident, age, vehicle type, and ZIP code—urban areas like Hartford and New Haven see higher premiums due to accident and theft frequency. Non-standard carriers willing to write SR-22 policies often charge more initially but may offer rate reductions as your 3-year filing period progresses without new incidents.
State-required 25/50/25 liability and UM/UIM coverage with SR-22 filing. Lowest legal option for high-risk drivers, but offers minimal financial protection in subsequent accidents.
Increased liability limits (50/100/50 or 100/300/100) with SR-22, plus collision and comprehensive if financing a vehicle. Balances cost with better protection during the reinstatement period.
Higher liability limits (100/300/100 or greater), collision, comprehensive, and optional coverages like rental reimbursement. Maximum protection for high-risk drivers rebuilding financial stability and reducing personal exposure.
- Violation type and severity: DUI convictions typically increase rates 80%–150%, while at-fault accidents raise premiums 40%–70%
- Time since incident: Rates decrease as violations age off your record—DUIs impact rates for 3–5 years, most violations for 3 years
- ZIP code and garaging location: Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport see higher rates due to accident density and theft risk
- Driver age and experience: Drivers under 25 with violations face compounded rate increases; those over 25 see smaller percentage hikes
- Vehicle type and value: Financing a newer vehicle requires collision/comprehensive, adding $600–$1,200 annually to high-risk policies
- Credit-based insurance score: Connecticut allows insurers to use credit history in rating, which can significantly impact high-risk premiums if credit is also damaged
Estimates based on available industry data for high-risk driver profiles and may not reflect current market conditions. Individual rates vary based on violation type, driving history, vehicle, and other factors.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity: DUI convictions typically increase rates 80%–150%, while at-fault accidents raise premiums 40%–70%
- Time since incident: Rates decrease as violations age off your record—DUIs impact rates for 3–5 years, most violations for 3 years
- ZIP code and garaging location: Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport see higher rates due to accident density and theft risk
- Driver age and experience: Drivers under 25 with violations face compounded rate increases; those over 25 see smaller percentage hikes
- Vehicle type and value: Financing a newer vehicle requires collision/comprehensive, adding $600–$1,200 annually to high-risk policies
- Credit-based insurance score: Connecticut allows insurers to use credit history in rating, which can significantly impact high-risk premiums if credit is also damaged
Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Connecticut
Coverage Options
Continuous liability coverage certified to the Connecticut DMV via SR-22 filing. Required for 3 years following DUI, suspension, or uninsured accident—any lapse restarts the clock and suspends your license.
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Connecticut's 25/50/25 minimums provide limited protection—serious accidents often exceed $100,000 in combined damages.
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Connecticut mandates UM/UIM at the same levels as your bodily injury liability unless you reject UIM in writing.
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault accident, regardless of who is responsible. Required by lenders but optional if you own your car outright.
Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather events. Often required by lenders and relatively affordable even for high-risk drivers.
Specialized coverage from carriers willing to insure drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or SR-22 requirements. These policies often start at higher rates but may offer discounts as you maintain a clean record over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CT DMV) - License Suspension and SR-22 Requirements
- Connecticut Insurance Department - Minimum Coverage Requirements and Mandatory UM/UIM
- Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-112 - Financial Responsibility and SR-22 Filing