Best car insurance in Connecticut for 2024

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.

Like most states, drivers in Connecticut must carry a minimum amount of car insurance to drive legally. Connecticut’s car insurance laws require that drivers carry at least minimum amounts of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage. While you do not need to commit the minimum limits to memory, you must purchase at least these limits to satisfy the requirements of the law, and knowing the minimums can help you decide if you need more coverage.

Most experts recommend purchasing as much liability coverage as you can afford as it provides financial protection if you cause an accident with injuries or property damage.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you might have additional car insurance requirements. Financial institutions frequently require that policies have full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Additionally, gap insurance could be a helpful addition to your policy. If your newer vehicle is totaled in a covered event and the payout is less than the balance of your loan, gap insurance is designed to pay the difference.

There are numerous life events that can affect your insurance. For example, getting into an at-fault accident, getting a ticket or being convicted of a DUI could mean that insurance companies view you as a high-risk driver, which typically increases your premium. Or perhaps you have a teen driver who was recently added to your policy. In this case, you may see a hefty increase in your premium. If you understand the factors that will impact your premium, you could choose an insurance company whose coverages and discounts are well-suited to your unique situation.

The best auto insurance in Connecticut is different for every driver because car insurance is so personalized. Every car insurance company looks at personal factors and weighs them differently, which means that the best car insurance provider for you might not be the best for the next person. For instance, if you have a classic car, you might want a provider that offers classic car insurance. Or, if you have a few speeding tickets, you might shop for a provider that specializes in high-risk auto insurance. Have a teen or young adult in your household? Consider finding a provider that offers a good student discount or allows you to reduce coverage when they’re away at college.

Connecticut drivers pay an average of $1,023 per year for minimum car insurance coverage, which works out to $85 per month. Drivers with full coverage pay an average of $2,569 per year, which is around $214 per month. Keep in mind that your exact rates depend on personal factors like your driving history, car usage, vehicle type, age and more.

Geico, Amica and USAA have some of the lowest average prices for car insurance in Connecticut, according to Bankrate’s research. However, the cheapest car insurance company for you will depend on your individual or household rating factors. Getting quotes from several companies could be one of the best places to start if you want to find the cheapest car insurance company in Connecticut. Don’t forget that insurance rates can fluctuate, especially at renewal time. If your rates go up at renewal, feel free to shop around for a more competitive rate.

Experts recommend shopping around and obtaining free quotes from multiple car insurance companies when looking for a new policy. Rates are highly personalized, and the cheapest company for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. When comparing quotes, be sure to request the same coverage types and limits from each carrier to get an accurate rate comparison.

There are several strategies you can try to save money on your car insurance. For starters, ask for quotes from several companies to see who offers you the cheapest rate. Be sure to ask for the same amount and types of coverage from each so you can do a level comparison.

Also review each potential company's discounts (they are usually listed on the website) to ensure that all you are entitled to are included in the quote. If not, consider speaking with a live agent to get a more exact quote. As a longer-term strategy, keeping your driving record clean is likely to net you the lowest rates. If you've had some dings on your record, consider taking a defensive driving course to brush up on your skills and possibly earn a discount. Also, increasing your credit score over time could help lower your rate in most states. Finally, if you are able to, consider increasing your deductible if you have full coverage to get a lower premium; just be sure you are selecting an amount you can comfortably afford to pay on short notice.