Connecticut is an at-fault (tort) state with 25/50/25 minimum liability. Here's exactly what the law demands, what it costs to ignore it, and how SR-22 filings work — with statutes cited.
| Coverage CT law requires | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability — per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability — per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 |
| UM/UIM | Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and |
Effective 2018-01-01. Source: Connecticut General Assembly OLR - State Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements (2023-R-0090) · Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-213b
First offense: Operating without required insurance is a Class C misdemeanor with fines of $100 to $1,000 for the operator (a $500 fine can apply to the owner), plus a 1-month suspension of license and registration and a $175 restoration fee.
Repeat offenses: Subsequent convictions carry the same fine range but a 6-month suspension of license and registration.
License impact: Both driver license and vehicle registration are suspended (1 month first offense, 6 months subsequent); proof of insurance and a restoration fee are required for reinstatement. (source: Connecticut General Assembly OLR reports; ValuePenguin)
Connecticut DMV can require an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility after serious violations, typically for about 3 years (longer for severe offenses); non-owner filings are available.
Typically required after: DUI, driving uninsured, reckless driving, multiple violations. Filing period: 3 years in most cases. Non-owner option: available — you can file without owning a car.
Need one filed? Our SR-22 service page explains the process; a licensed professional at (866) 370-6395 can usually file the same day.
Connecticut repealed its no-fault PIP requirement in 1994; medical payments coverage is optional.
Connecticut minimum property damage liability rose to $25,000 effective January 1, 2018.
License and registration consequences: Both driver license and vehicle registration are suspended (1 month first offense, 6 months subsequent); proof of insurance and a restoration fee are required for reinstatement.
| City | Population | Median income | 30+ min commute | No-vehicle households |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | 149,153 | $58,685 | 43.3% | 19.5% |
| Stamford | 137,144 | $111,586 | 37.5% | 9.4% |
| New Haven | 134,349 | $56,851 | 23.6% | 26.9% |
| Hartford | 121,127 | $46,411 | 26.6% | 30.6% |
| Waterbury | 114,869 | $51,886 | 37.9% | 18.7% |
| Norwalk | 92,187 | $107,616 | 37.0% | 8.5% |
| Danbury | 87,263 | $83,393 | 40.8% | 8.4% |
| New Britain | 74,223 | $58,613 | 24.5% | 15.3% |
| West Hartford | 63,620 | $129,890 | 21.3% | 8.9% |
| Bristol | 61,462 | $79,076 | 31.8% | 7.6% |
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-year estimates.
Connecticut commuting means the I-95 crawl through Fairfield County, the Merritt Parkway's graceful but unforgiving ramps and tree-lined shoulders, and the Mixmaster in Waterbury where I-84 and Route 8 stack on top of each other. Hartford drivers know the I-84/I-91 interchange knot by heart. Nor'easters, ice storms, and freeze-thaw potholes define the claims calendar, and falling limbs along the Merritt's canopy are a classic comprehensive loss. Deer are a real hazard on the wooded parkways and in the Litchfield-edge suburbs. Street parking in New Haven and Bridgeport adds sideswipe and hit-and-run exposure, which is exactly where UM coverage proves its worth. A local agent can walk through winter deductible strategy.
149,153 residents
137,144 residents
134,349 residents
121,127 residents
114,869 residents
92,187 residents
87,263 residents
74,223 residents
63,620 residents
61,462 residents
60,545 residents
55,351 residents
51,023 residents
50,918 residents
47,958 residents
41,889 residents
39,973 residents
35,547 residents
31,800 residents
27,625 residents
Every legal claim on this page traces to:
Laws change. We refresh state pages on a rolling schedule and date-stamp every change; verify with your state before acting.