Every time you get behind the wheel in Connecticut, you’re taking a chance, no matter how cautiously you drive. The reality is that not all drivers on the road are equally responsible. Some might lack sufficient insurance—or any insurance at all—to cover the damages they could cause in an accident. This is where uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage becomes a critical safeguard for Connecticut drivers, providing a financial safety net when the unexpected happens.

In Connecticut, it’s estimated that around 10.4% of drivers are uninsured, despite the state’s mandatory insurance laws. This statistic means that nearly one in ten drivers on the road may not have the necessary coverage to pay for the damages if they cause an accident. Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be left shouldering the costs for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. For many, this financial burden can be overwhelming, leading to long-term financial difficulties.

Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. This coverage ensures that you’re not left in a vulnerable position due to another driver’s lack of insurance. In this guide, we’ll delve into the importance of UM/UIM coverage in Connecticut, helping you understand why it’s a key component of your auto insurance policy and how it can protect you and your loved ones from financial hardship after a car accident.

What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Connecticut?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) in Connecticut is a type of insurance designed to protect drivers if they are involved in an accident with a motorist who either doesn't have any insurance (uninsured) or lacks sufficient coverage to pay for the damages they’ve caused (underinsured). Even though Connecticut law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone complies, and sometimes even the minimum required insurance isn't enough to cover all the expenses after a serious accident.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when you're involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance at all. In this case, your own UM coverage helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that would have been covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully cover the costs of your injuries or property damage. Your UIM coverage kicks in to make up the difference, ensuring that you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses beyond the other driver’s policy limits.

In Connecticut, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory and helps provide financial security in the event of an accident, offering peace of mind knowing that you’re protected regardless of the other driver's insurance status.

Why Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Important in Connecticut?

With the increasing costs of healthcare and vehicle repairs, the expenses related to car accidents are higher than ever. Accidents can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs, leaving the victim financially vulnerable if the at-fault driver cannot cover these expenses. UM coverage steps in when the responsible party has no insurance, while UIM coverage fills in the gaps when the other driver’s policy limits fall short of covering the total damages. Without this coverage, accident victims may be left paying out-of-pocket for expenses, even when they weren’t at fault.

Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage ensures you won’t be left dealing with significant financial stress after an accident, providing peace of mind that you are protected no matter who’s on the road.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required in Connecticut?

Yes, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is required in Connecticut. The state mandates that all drivers carry UM coverage as part of their auto insurance policies to protect themselves in the event of an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

Connecticut also requires that your uninsured motorist coverage limits match your liability insurance limits, providing a significant layer of protection. Additionally, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is included to help cover costs when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.

How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the minimum amount of uninsured motorist (UM) coverage required by law must match your liability insurance limits, which are set at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. This means that if you have the state minimum liability coverage, your UM coverage will also be set at these amounts. However, depending on your individual needs and concerns, it may be wise to purchase higher UM coverage limits to better protect yourself in the event of a serious accident.

While the state’s minimum coverage provides some level of protection, medical costs, lost wages, and vehicle repairs can quickly exceed these limits after a severe accident. Increasing your UM/UIM coverage limits can offer greater financial security, ensuring that you are fully compensated for any losses, especially if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Many insurance experts recommend purchasing at least $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage to provide more comprehensive protection for you and your passengers.

Ultimately, the amount of uninsured motorist coverage you need depends on your personal risk tolerance and financial situation. It’s a good idea to consult with an insurance agent to evaluate your options and determine the coverage that best fits your needs.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory, so if you don't have it, you would be in violation of state law. Connecticut requires all drivers to carry UM coverage to protect themselves in case of an accident caused by an uninsured driver. The reason this coverage is so important is that if you're involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance, you would otherwise be left to cover the costs of medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages out of your own pocket.

How Do I File a Claim Under Uninsured Motorist Coverage in CT?

Filing a claim under uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in Connecticut follows a process similar to filing any other insurance claim, but there are specific steps you'll need to take to ensure your claim is handled properly.

Here's a breakdown of the key steps to follow:

1. Report the Accident: Immediately after the accident, make sure to report it to the police, especially if the other driver is uninsured or you suspect they may not have coverage. This official documentation will be key when filing your UM claim.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident and your intention to file an uninsured motorist claim. Most insurance policies have time limits for reporting claims, so it’s important to act quickly.
3. Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documentation, including the police report, photos of the accident, medical bills, repair estimates, and any communication with the other driver. These will help support your claim and prove that the other driver was at fault and uninsured.
4. Work with an Adjuster: Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your claim. Be cooperative and provide any additional information they request. The adjuster will determine the extent of the damages and the compensation you are entitled to under your UM coverage.
5. Negotiate if Necessary: If the settlement offered by your insurance company is lower than expected, you can negotiate. It's important to understand the limits of your UM coverage and ensure that your compensation reflects the damages incurred.
6. Consult an Attorney if Needed: If you run into issues with your claim or if your insurance company is unwilling to provide adequate compensation, it might be beneficial to consult with an attorney who specializes in uninsured motorist claims to help you navigate the process.

By following these steps and understanding your rights under Connecticut’s uninsured motorist coverage laws, you can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Get the Legal Support You Need From Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, After a Car Accident in Connecticut

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Connecticut, we understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for you. The pain, stress, and uncertainty can feel overwhelming, and you shouldn’t have to face it alone. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are committed to standing by your side every step of the way. Our compassionate and experienced legal team knows how difficult it can be to navigate the aftermath of an accident, and we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and consultation.