Connecticut drivers pay more for car insurance than others in the US. So short of packing up and moving to a more affordable state, what else can you do to lower the cost of car insurance?
CT drivers who don’t want to pay a dime extra for coverage can start by reading this guide.
We researched all the key players in The Constitution State and ranked them on the basis of their performance on important factors, including price, service, availability, and financial strength. Whatever your budget or needs are, we’re sure you’ll find your perfect insurer here.
So let’s get rolling.
The Best Car Insurance in CT
- GEICO — The Overall Winner
- Amica Mutual — The Best for Customer Service
- Progressive — The Cheapest Option
- Allstate — The Best for Coverage Options
- USAA — The Best for Military
The Overall Winner: GEICO
Does GEICO really save you 15% on insurance in Connecticut as its ads claim? Or is it just one of those companies that lure customers by promising them the Moon?
To find the answer, we got a quote from the insurer.
And guess what? At $114 a month, GEICO is one of the most affordable players in The Constitution State. So, if you’re looking for cheap auto insurance in CT, you better add it to your shortlist.
However, GEICO didn’t get to the top of our list with just affordable rates. It also shines in the customer service department, earning an impressive 4-star rating and 3rd overall rank in 2021’s J.D. Power customer service study for the Connecticut region (New England).
As far as financial strength is concerned, GEICO has a better record than most car insurance companies in CT. It earned the top rating of “A++” from A.M. Best. This goes to show you can trust the company to pay out claims if and when you file them.
Additionally, GEICO’s online tools are of the top drawer. Its sleek website impressed us right off the bat while its smartphone app is nothing short of an insurance concierge — at your service whenever you need it.
Considering all this, you may want to start your search for low-cost auto insurance with GEICO Insurance. CT drivers who need GAP insurance, however, should look elsewhere since GEICO doesn’t offer it.
Consider GEICO for affordable premiums and top-shelf online tools.
Look elsewhere if you need GAP insurance.
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The Best for Customer Service: Amica Mutual
Amica Mutual may not be one of the big boys of the US auto insurance industry, but it’s mighty strong in customer service. A perfect score in overall satisfaction and ranking first in J.D. Power regional study is pretty hard to dispute. So, if you’re looking for the best auto insurance in CT in terms of service, look no further than Amica.
No less impressive are the free perks offered with Amica’s auto insurance policies, such as free airbag replacement and free lock. Its selection of discounts is also second to none, with handsome rebates on offer for bundling auto and home insurance and purchasing coverage for multiple vehicles. The insurer is also well placed when it comes to financial strength, managing the second-highest rating of “A+” from A.M. Best.
However, all these perks come at a cost, a steep one at that. Meaning, you are in for a disappointment if you want the best car insurance rates in CT. At $317 a month, Amica is the costliest auto insurer we reviewed in The Nutmeg State.
Nevertheless, if you place a high value on experience and are ready to shell out extra for it, Amica might just be the one for you.
Consider Amica for its superior customer service.
Look elsewhere if you want low-cost coverage.
The Cheapest Option: Progressive
Progressive projects itself as an affordable auto insurer — if not the cheapest. But the question is, can you count on it to offer you a good deal in The Constitution State?
Absolutely. With an average monthly premium of $107, Progressive reigns supreme on our list of cheap car insurance CT providers.
But that’s not all.
Progressive also delivers in areas such as customer service, as reflected by its impressive 4th rank (out of 15 insurers) in the J.D. Power regional study for the Connecticut region. The insurer also holds its own in the financial strength department, earning an “A+” (Superior) rating from A.M. Best.
It also impressed us with its features, two in particular: Name Your Price and Progressive Snapshot. The first one, which no other car insurance CT company offers, makes it ridiculously easy to check coverage options available at a particular price point. Just enter the price you’re comfortable paying and, bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, the tool will chug out all available options. Progressive Snapshot, on the other hand, lets you win Safe Driving discounts by tracking your driving.
All in all, quality customer service, innovative features, and a price point that promises a jaw-dropping bargain make Progressive one of the top auto insurance CT providers.
Consider Progressive for its low premiums.
Look elsewhere if you want nothing short of the best service.
The Best for Its Variety of Coverage Options: Allstate
Allstate is one of the more expensive players in The Constitution State. Yet, you shouldn’t rule it out completely. For some drivers, it can be just what the doctor ordered, never mind its high price tag.
Allstate is one of the few providers to offer sound system insurance or classic car insurance in CT. If you want unique add-ons, you’ll do well to include Allstate on your shortlist.
Safe drivers may also find Allstate to their liking since it offers several discounts to them — Allstate Rewards program, vanishing deductible, and Safe Driving Bonus Check. If you can make the most of them, you could well be paying an affordable price, even though Allstate’s average car insurance rates in CT are on the steeper side.
Continuing with the positives, Allstate does exceedingly well in the customer service and financial strength departments. It earned the 4th rank overall (out of 15 players) in the J.D. Power regional customer satisfaction study and an “A+” rating from the rating agency A.M. Best.
In short, Allstate can be an appealing option for safe drivers and drivers who want unique add-ons. However, if you want cheap auto insurance in CT, Allstate is not your best bet.
Consider Allstate for an unmatched selection of coverages and safe driving discounts.
Look elsewhere if you want affordable rates.
Best for Military: USAA
USAA recently notched up a perfect score in customer satisfaction for the Connecticut region, but is it the one for you?
If you are associated with the US Military, the answer may well be a resounding “yes!”
For one, its rates are pretty reasonable. Two, it offers a range of insurance products (like home insurance in CT), as well as financial and banking services. Three, its financial strength ratings are the best in town. The insurer earned “A++” from A.M. Best, which is the highest rating the agency awards.
To sum it up, USAA offers the total package — quality service, affordable rates, and rock-solid financial strength. If you qualify for it, you might be in for a treat.
Consider USAA for its superior performance across the board.
Look elsewhere if you don’t qualify.
Cheapest Car Insurance in CT (By City)
To find out how car insurance rates vary in six major cities in Connecticut and who offers the best deal in each of them, we grabbed a quote from multiple players. Our quote included full coverage limits and was for a 40-year-old single male with a clean driving record.
Hartford
The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford is home to more than 122,000 hearty souls. The city is best known for the Mark Twain House & Museum. Since many insurance companies are headquartered in Hartford, it is nicknamed the “Insurance Capital of the World.”
Car insurance in Hartford, CT is pricier than in most cities in The Nutmeg State. All the same, we’re able to find some budget-friendly carriers for you. Let’s take a look at them.
Best for 21-year-olds
It’s a fact of life. Car insurance premium rates vary by age, with young drivers generally coming off worst in the bargain. Research shows they pay 44% more for coverage than experienced drivers. Thankfully, not all insurance companies in Hartford, CT are so hard on inexperienced motorists. Players such as Progressive and GEICO deliver great value for money, so keep them at the top of your list.
Best for 40-year-olds
Progressive leads the pack when it comes to offering low-cost coverage to experienced drivers, followed by GEICO. However, the latter has an advantage, owing to its better customer service and financial strength ratings. Amica Mutual, on the other hand, might be the perfect choice for those who don’t mind paying a premium rate for premium service.
Best for 70-year-olds
To find out the cheapest player for this category, we gathered a Hartford auto insurance quote from multiple providers. Here too, Progressive comes first and GEICO a close second. But since the latter boasts a better customer service record, you might want to consider it first.
Bridgeport
Located at the mouth of the Pequonnock River, Bridgeport is the most populous city in the US state of Connecticut, with a population of over 146,000. The city is known for The Barnum Museum, The Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Seaside Park, and Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
GEICO delivers the best bargain on car insurance in Bridgeport, CT. Liberty Mutual and Nationwide also offer good value for money while Amica Mutual excels in customer service.
Stamford
Fondly called “the city that works,” Stamford is situated in Fairfield County and has a population of 129,775. Stamford is less than an hour’s drive away from New York City and is considered one of the safest cities in the US. It is best known for being home to the electric dry shaver industry.
Stamford has some of the most affordable premium rates in The Constitution State. GEICO, at roughly $97 a month, offers the cheapest car insurance in Stamford, CT. Other noteworthy options include Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, and Amica Mutual.
New Haven
New Haven, located in New Haven Harbor, is a coastal city in The Constitution State. It is the sixth-largest city in Connecticut, best known for housing the Yale University and, yes, you guessed it — pizzas! New Haven has some of the best pizzas you’ll ever find in the United States.
Searching for affordable car insurance in New Haven, CT? GEICO and Progressive might be right up your alley. On the other hand, check out Allstate if you want special types of add-ons or Amica Mutual if customer service is a top priority.
Waterbury
Located on the Naugatuck River, Waterbury is the fifth-largest city in The Constitution State with a population of 108,093. It is nicknamed “The Brass City” because of its prominent role in the manufacture of brassware.
Car insurance in Waterbury, CT is a tad costlier compared to New Haven. That said, Progressive offers you a pretty good deal, so does Liberty Mutual. Amica Mutual, in contrast, might be ideal for those who want the best customer service.
Danbury
Danbury, located about 50 miles from New York City, has a population of 85,246. During the early 20th century, the city played an important role in establishing the hat industry in the country, which earned it the nickname — “Hat City.” Today, apart from hats, Danbury also makes furniture, electronic equipment, and machinery as well.
Looking for cheap car insurance in Danbury, CT? You’re in luck. Several players offer a jaw-dropping bargain in Danbury, but none can match Progressive’s and GEICO’s rates. While Progressive is a few dollars cheaper, GEICO offers a better all-round deal, thanks to its impressive show in the J.D. Power regional customer service study. Other budget-friendly options include Liberty Mutual and Nationwide. Allstate, on the other hand, appears to be a good choice for drivers who need classic car insurance.
CT Car Insurance Laws
Connecticut Automobile Insurance Assigned Risk Plan (CT AIARP)
If you’ve collected more than three traffic tickets or been involved in several accidents, you may find it difficult to convince an auto insurer to give you coverage. In that case, you can dial CT AIARP for help.
Created in 1981, Connecticut Automobile Insurance Assigned Risk Plan (aka CT AIARP) aims to provide auto insurance coverage to as many drivers as possible.
How does it do that?
By ensuring all car insurance companies in CT participate in the plan and take up the financial responsibility of covering high-risk drivers according to their market share. For instance, if Progressive writes 10% of total car insurance policies in The Constitution State, it must give coverage to up to 10% of drivers coming through CT AIARP.
Committed as this plan is to help high-risk drivers find auto insurance, you’ll have to do more than just show up at its door. For one, you’ll have to prove that you tried to purchase insurance from one or more auto insurance CT companies in the last 60 days, but to no avail. Two, you must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle registered within the state.
If you meet these requirements and fill out the form correctly, CT AIARP will allocate you an auto insurer. Mind you, coverage obtained through the plan is pricier than the one purchased from the standard market. For this reason, turn to CT AIARP only when all the other doors have been shut for you.
Car Insurance Requirements in Connecticut
According to the Connecticut Department of Insurance, drivers in the state must carry the following bare minimum car insurance:
- Bodily Injury Liability — $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. This type of coverage pays for the injuries the other driver and their co-passengers suffer in an accident caused by you.
- Property Damage Liability — $25,000 per accident. It compensates others for the damage you cause to their car or property.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. It pays for injuries you or your passengers suffer in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist or a motorist with injury limits less than your underinsured motorist limits or a hit-and-run motorist.
SR22 Car Insurance in CT
Some mistakes, like driving under the influence or without insurance, may lead to a legal requirement that you’ve not faced before — SR22.
SR22 is a form, not a type of car insurance, that you need to maintain to reinstate your driving privileges following a severe traffic misdemeanor or a number of non-serious traffic violations.
You’ll be able to legally drive only after your carrier files SR22 with the local DMV. Since not all car insurance CT providers do that, you may have to find yourself a new insurer.
In all probability, the new carrier will charge you a much higher premium rate than you paid earlier. That’s because an SR22 requirement pushes you in the category of high-risk drivers.
The good thing, however, is shopping around can result in substantial savings as premium rates vary wildly from one auto insurer to the next. Also, after three years, you could well be paying standard rates, provided you maintain continuous coverage and keep your driving record clean.
CT State Car Insurance for New Residents
New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency, according to AAA’s guidelines on Connecticut’s driving laws. Military personnel, on the other hand, may retain home state registration.
Price Optimization in Connecticut
Most people believe their car insurance premium rates only reflect the level of risk they represent to their carriers. The greater the perceived risk, the higher the premiums.
That, however, is not always the case.
Research shows nearly 45% of US auto insurers take the drivers’ personal details into account — credit score, job history, and even online shopping habits — to set rates. This practice is known as price optimization.
From the consumer’s point of view, price optimization doesn’t exactly look fair. One can understand if your car insurance CT company quotes a high rate on the count of your having a poor driving record. What one can’t understand is being asked to pay more because you’re less likely to leave them.
Many US states have put a lid on price optimization, including Connecticut. In December 2015, the Connecticut Insurance Department issued a warning to carriers to stop this practice.
If you reside in The Constitution State, you can breathe easy knowing CT car insurance companies will not peep into your personal data to get the maximum amount of money out of you. Your car insurance premium will reflect your risk — and nothing more.
No-Fault Car Insurance Laws in Connecticut
Unlike New York, Connecticut is not a no-fault state. It uses a “fault” system for establishing financial responsibilities for injuries and damages in case of an auto accident. This means your auto insurance CT will pay for your mistakes, up to your policy limits.
If the other driver thinks they should get more compensation than handed out by your carrier, they can go after you — hence why it makes sense to increase the limits of your bodily injury and property damage coverage beyond what’s mandated by the state.
Also, remember, the state’s bare minimum auto insurance doesn’t cover repairs you need to make as a direct result of an accident. If you want this protection, consider adding collision and comprehensive insurance to your coverage.
How to Get Affordable Car Insurance in CT
Check Car Insurance Reviews
For most consumers, price is the biggest factor for buying auto insurance, but it is not the only thing to consider. Financial strength ratings and customer service ratings are important as well; otherwise, you might find yourself up the creek when you need your insurer the most.
So, how can you gather important information about major carriers in Connecticut?
Of course, this guide is as good a starting point as any. However, if you want to extend your pool of shortlisted names, have a look at our car insurance rankings, which covers 24 key players in the industry.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes in CT
No one gets their jollies from gathering quotes from auto insurers, but this is the only way to ensure you don’t overpay for coverage. Therefore, set some time aside from your busy schedule and compare quotes from multiple providers.
See Who Provides the Highest Discounts
The easiest way to bring down your annual premium is to tack on as many discounts as possible. Some of the common discounts Connecticut auto insurers offer include bundle discount, multi-vehicle discount, good student discount, and safe driving discount.
People Also Ask
The average car insurance premium rate in The Constitution State is $214. Our quote included full coverage limits, and our referenced driver was a 40-year-old male with a spotless driving record. You may get different results than us, depending on your age, driving record, and level of coverage, among other things. The only way to find the best bargain is to compare quotes of multiple players. Statistically speaking, new drivers, high-risk drivers, and students pay more than others.
When it comes to offering cheap auto insurance in CT, Progressive tops the list, with GEICO coming a close second.
Every driver in The Constitution State must carry bodily liability insurance ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident), property damage insurance ($25,000 per accident), and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident).
No, you can’t. You will need to provide Connecticut auto insurance proof, among other documents, to register your vehicle.
You can get into a lot of trouble if you drive without car insurance. CT drivers caught driving without the state’s mandatory coverage may have to cough up a fine between $100 to $1000. What’s more, if you are slapped with a Class C misdemeanor, you would be staring at a fine of $500, jail time of 6 months or both. Other penalties for driving without insurance include suspension of the driver’s license and registration.