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Last Modified on Apr 06, 2026
Connecticut law requires every driver to have auto insurance, and a policy must meet minimum requirements for bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage. When it comes to what to know about Connecticut uninsured motorist coverage, drivers should understand that this coverage comes into play if they are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have auto insurance.
What To Know About Connecticut Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Car accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Connecticut, and car accidents cause billions in economic losses nationwide every year. Connecticut enforces a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning whoever causes an accident is liable for the resulting damages.
Proving fault for your recent accident is a crucial step toward recovery, and you should hire a Connecticut car accident lawyer to help you accomplish this and claim compensation for your damages. Most of the accidents reported throughout Connecticut result from distracted driving, moving violations, speeding, and other driver negligence. They can also occur because of illegal misconduct, like intoxicated or aggressive driving.
The Connecticut Crash Data Repository reported 103,540 vehicle crashes involving 195,013 vehicles and 244,535 people statewide in 2025. After most accidents, auto insurance is an injured driver’s first channel of compensation. If you think another driver caused your accident, you must prove fault and then file a claim against their auto insurance policy, citing all of the damages the at-fault driver caused.
After you prove fault for an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages up to their policy’s coverage limits. Connecticut law requires a driver to purchase certain types of coverage in their auto insurance policy:
- The policy must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage.
- The policy must include at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
- The policy must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage.
Drivers also have the option to increase these coverage limits and purchase additional coverage options, but doing so will increase their insurance premiums. A minimum coverage policy may be cheaper to maintain, but it may not fully cover all of the damages in an accident if the driver is at fault. It’s important for drivers to seek a balance between coverage and affordability when choosing an auto insurance policy.
How an Attorney Can Help After an Uninsured Driver Accident
Any car accident can result in severe injuries and raise difficult legal questions for those involved, so it’s a good idea to hire a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident so they can help you navigate your case. A skilled local attorney will be a crucial asset for not only filing your auto insurance claim but also for negotiating a fair settlement from the insurance carrier.
Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law has years of proven experience helping injured clients navigate the most challenging car accident cases. Uninsured motorist coverage in your policy can help you recover from an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, but dealing with any insurance company can be challenging, and you are more likely to receive a fair settlement offer with an attorney’s help.
FAQs
How Does Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Work in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies when the driver at fault for your accident does not have insurance, or if their coverage cannot fully cover your damages. Your own uninsured/underinsured coverage applies, covering the difference. You should hire a car accident lawyer to help you with your insurance claims after an accident, regardless of fault. Your own insurance company may not offer a fair settlement at first without an attorney’s help.
Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver After an Accident They Caused?
Yes, you can file a claim against an uninsured driver after an accident they caused. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation up to your policy’s coverage limits, and then the at-fault driver would be personally responsible for any damages you cannot recover this way. However, if they have limited assets, it may be difficult to recover compensation directly from them, which is why having uninsured motorist coverage is important for every driver.
What Is My Car Accident Claim Worth in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the value of your car accident claim largely depends on the severity of your injuries. If you can prove another driver is responsible for causing the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and the pain and suffering you experienced. A Connecticut car accident attorney can calculate your total damages and determine the optimal way for you to claim compensation.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer to File an Auto Insurance Claim in Connecticut?
It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer to help you file your auto insurance claim in Connecticut. Even if the fault for the accident seems clear to you, most insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying out settlements, and many will attempt to push lowball settlement offers. A Connecticut car accident attorney can not only help you file your claim but also negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance company.
Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for an Accident?
Yes, you can still file an auto insurance claim if you were partially at fault for an accident under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence law. However, you must have been less at fault than the defendant, or you will be barred from claiming compensation. Any fault percentage assigned to you will be subtracted from your total recovery, and you will keep the remainder.
The aftermath of any car accident can be confusing, and dealing with insurance can be difficult without an attorney’s help. When it comes to what to know about Connecticut uninsured motorist coverage, an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney can explain how this coverage can be a valuable lifeline after an accident. Contact Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-at-Law today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist with your uninsured driver claim.