An auto policy isn’t a single type of protection. It’s a collection of coverages, limits, and deductibles that address different risks. Understanding those pieces can help you decide what belongs in your policy instead of simply choosing the lowest available premium.
When comparing car insurance in CT, try building your policy around five questions. D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency in Newington helps Connecticut drivers review these choices and compare coverage based on their individual circumstances.
1. How Much Liability Protection Do You Want?
Start with the protection that applies when you’re legally responsible for an accident.
Connecticut requires minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.
Bodily injury liability responds to qualifying claims from people injured in an accident for which you’re responsible. Property damage liability addresses covered damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or other property.
Those amounts are legal minimums. Drivers can consider higher limits based on their financial circumstances and the amount of liability protection they want.
2. How Would You Protect Your Own Vehicle?
Liability coverage doesn’t pay to repair your vehicle simply because you carry a Connecticut-compliant policy.
That’s where physical-damage coverage becomes relevant.
Collision coverage addresses covered physical damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision and generally includes a deductible.
Comprehensive coverage addresses qualifying non-collision losses. Depending on the policy, these can include theft, vandalism, flooding, windstorms, falling objects, glass breakage, and animal strikes.
Neither is required by Connecticut law, although a lender or leasing company may require physical-damage coverage.
Consider your vehicle’s value, financing status, deductible, and ability to handle an unexpected repair or loss when evaluating these options.
3. What If the Other Driver Isn’t Adequately Insured?
Connecticut requires uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
UM/UIM coverage protects against qualifying bodily injuries caused by an uninsured driver, hit-and-run motorist, or driver without sufficient liability insurance.
Drivers evaluating car insurance in CT should review the actual UM/UIM limits on their policy rather than assuming every policy provides the same amount of protection.
Connecticut also offers optional underinsured motorist conversion coverage, which works differently from standard UIM coverage. Ask an insurance professional to explain the distinction if you’re considering it.
4. Which Convenience Coverages Matter to You?
After addressing major financial risks, consider optional coverage for situations that can create inconvenience and additional expenses.
Depending on the insurer and policy, options can include:
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing coverage
- Full glass coverage
- Medical payments coverage
For example, rental reimbursement can help with qualifying rental costs following certain covered losses, while towing coverage addresses eligible towing expenses.
Don’t add an endorsement simply because it’s available. Consider how you would handle the expense yourself and review the limits, conditions, and additional premium.
5. What Deductible Fits Your Budget?
Coverage selection isn’t only about limits. Deductibles matter too.
A deductible is the portion you’re responsible for paying on a covered claim before applicable insurance payments. Collision and comprehensive coverage commonly include deductibles.
Consider both sides of the decision: the premium you pay today and the amount you could comfortably pay following an unexpected loss.
The lowest deductible or highest deductible isn’t automatically right for everyone.
Build a Policy Around Your Situation
The goal isn’t to purchase every available coverage. It’s to understand what each part of the policy does and decide which limits, deductibles, and options fit your circumstances.
D.M. Johnson Insurance Agency provides personalized insurance guidance for drivers throughout Connecticut.
If you’re comparing car insurance in CT, contact the Newington office for a free quote and consultation about available auto insurance options.
