Connecticut is on record as the United States’ third smallest state, it holds number four on the list of most densely populated states. Marking the southern border of the official New England region of the U.S., historically strong maritime roots give this state its East Coast charm and Atlantic ocean allure. Quaint farms and stately horse properties contrast pleasantly with the ever-busy Cheshire, New Haven and Tri-State Area. Drivers find historic sites all across the “Nutmeg State”, and CheapCarInsurance.net wants to protect and inform drivers as they make their way through. Following is a bundle of useful information to help drivers stay informed and protected
From the bustling city to the beautiful country, Connecticut offers a wide array of driving routes. Similarly, Connecticut’s insurance laws and regulations offer a wide array of requirements. Connecticut drivers can stay informed and make certain they are adequately protected by using this list of useful information.
Average Car Insurance Premium Costs
Car insurance premiums in Connecticut have been steadily above the national average for nearly two decades. However, NAIC.org, indicates that the state’s car insurance premiums as a percentage of income have remained below the national average over the last decade.
Costs by County:
Sedan:
SUV:
Coupe:
Truck:
Hybrid:
Fairfield
$1,098
$853
$1,126
$1,064
$1,029
Hartford
$1,105
$861
$1,098
$1,082
$1,039
Litchfield
$1,156
$886
$1,163
$1,135
$1,086
Middlesex
$1,009
$774
$1,018
$983
$948
New Haven
$1,148
$890
$1,152
$1,118
$1,077
New London
$993
$787
$1,023
$969
$935
Tolland
$1,047
$815
$1,062
$1,027
$986
Windham
$1,035
$795
$1,046
$1,007
$971
Minimum Requirements for Car Insurance in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that every vehicle registered in the state have liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. If the vehicle is registered it must be insured.
Liability Coverage minimums for the state of Connecticut:
$20,000 for death or injury per person involved in a traffic collision.
$40,000 for death or injury per accident if multiple individuals are involved.
$10,000 for damage of property.
Uninsured/Underinsured driver coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
A driver who does not respond to DMV notices to register his/her vehicle may have their registration suspended and lose their privilege to register any vehicle in the state.
New Driver Licensing Requirements
The Connecticut DMV states that any new driver must obtain a 2-year leaner’s permit prior to obtaining a regular driver’s license. The driver must hold the permit for a minimum of 90 days to be eligible for a regular license.
Applicants must pass a vision test and written test to obtain the learner’s permit, and the permit has several restrictions and requirements:
Must be accompanied by a driver who is 20 years of age or older and has held a valid drivers license with no suspensions for four consecutive years.
Completion of an 8 hour Safe Driving Practices Course. The DMV provides information regarding how and where to take this course.
If the driver is under 18 years of age, he/she may have no passengers except the required licensed driver listed above.
Vision Screening. An applicant’s results on this test must indicate a visual acuity of at least 20/40. The test also evaluates the applicant’s peripheral vision and perception of depth and color.
Written Test. To test the applicant’s knowledge of the Connecticut Driver’s Manual, the DMV requires the applicant to pass a 25-question test. 20 correctly answered questions are needed to pass, and a copy of the manual can be accessed at the above link.
If an applicant fails the written test, he/she must wait 7 days before being eligible to re-take the test. Written test results are valid for 2 years. To help applicants prepare for the exam, the Connecticut DMV has also provided useful podcasts which can be accessed on the DMV’s web page.
Road Test. The vehicle used for the road test must be registered, insured and in safe operating condition. The vehicle must be driven to and from the testing facility by a licensed driver. The Connecticut Driver’s Manual states that the road test evaluates each applicant’s skills in the following areas:
Properly adjust seat belts, steering wheels, mirrors and seats.
Operate all vehicle equipment including windshield wipers and washers, parking break, heater, defroster, headlights and horn.
Ability to obey traffic signs and signals.
Parking the vehicle.
Backing the vehicle.
Execution of basic driving skills.
Ability to recognize warning lights on the vehicle’s instrument panel.
Fees. There is a $19 fee for the learner’s permit and a $40 testing fee. The regular drivers license fees are $72 for a 6 year license and $84 for a 7 year license.
DUI – DWI Laws
BAC limit: .08 Any and all convictions in Connecticut result in a minimum license revocation for the driver and the state’s DMV web page outlines the penalties for Operating Under the Influence (OUI). In addition to criminal penalties, Connecticut also enforces Administrative per se suspensions as well as Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements for every offense.The IID program requires a $100 administration fee upon application submission. When court-ordered, an IID must be installed on each vehicle the driver owns and/or operates. The driver must pay the installation fee which is determined by the installer, and every 30 days, the driver must respond to the installer to have the IID re-calibrated. Failure to comply with any part of the IID program results in suspension of the driver’s license.
First Offense:
Upon refusal, the driver’s license is suspended for:
18 months if 16-17 years old
1 year if 18-20 years old
6 months if over 21 years old
If tested at BAC of .02 to below .16, the driver’s license is suspended for:
1 year if 16-17 years old.
6 months if 18-20 years old.
90 days if over 21 years old.
If tested at BAC of .16 or over, the driver’s license is suspended for:
1 year if 16-17 years old.
240 days if 18-20 years old.
120 days if over 21 years old.
Mandatory 1 year IID program from the date the license is restored.
Second Offense:
Upon refusal, the driver’s license is suspended for:
3 years if 16-17 years old
2 years if 18-20 years old
1 year if over 21 years old
If tested at BAC of .02 to below .16, the driver’s license is suspended for:
2 years if 16-17 years old.
18 months if 18-20 years old.
9 months if over 21 years old.
If tested at BAC of .16 or over, the driver’s license is suspended for:
30 months if 16-17 years old.
20 months if 18-20 years old.
10 months if over 21 years old.
Mandatory 3 years IID program from the date the license is restored.
Third or Subsequent Offense(s):
Upon refusal, the driver faces a possible permanent suspension or a license suspension for:
6 years if 16-20 years old
3 years if over 21 years old
If tested at BAC of .02 to below .16, the driver faces a possible permanent suspension or a license suspension for:
4 years if 16-20 years old.
2 years if over 21 years old.
If tested at BAC of .16 or over, the driver faces a possible permanent suspension or a license suspension for:
5 years if 16-20 years old.
2 1/2 years if over 21 years old.
No IID program is stipulated due to the possible permanent license revocation.