Car Insurance in New Canaan, CT

Even the most careful drivers can get into accidents. That is why if you own a vehicle in New Canaan, you are required to have car insurance. From multi-vehicle crashes on the Merritt Parkway to fender-benders on Elm Street, a good auto insurance policy can prevent you from facing large financial losses.

Local independent agents are available to answer your coverage-related questions and help you find an excellent policy at a competitive price. To learn more and to start comparing customized car insurance quotes, contact an independent insurance agent near you.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in New Canaan, CT?

On average, drivers in Connecticut pay more for car insurance than the national average rate. Shopping around for the best rate has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Connecticut average annual car insurance cost: $1,690

Of course, an average rate can only give you a general idea of what you might be expected to pay. Premiums vary from one driver to the next because insurance companies base their costs on several factors like:

• The year, make, model, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, driving record, and credit score
• Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you want to buy
• Which, if any, coverage options you are including in your policy
• The amount of your deductible

If you purchase your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides some of your other policies, like your home insurance or boat insurance, this is called bundling, and it can save you money. Other potential car insurance discounts you may qualify for include:

• Safe driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Military discounts
• Multi-car discounts

Every insurance company has its own way of calculating costs. If you request customized quotes from a few different insurance providers, you may find that some are far more affordable than others.

Independent insurance agents make it easy to find the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

Is Car Insurance Required in New Canaan, Connecticut?

As a vehicle owner in New Canaan, you must carry a policy that meets or exceeds Connecticut’s minimum coverage requirements. In this state, all car insurance policies must include the following types of coverage:

• Liability insurance: This covers other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause a collision. Your policy must meet or exceed the following liability coverage amounts:
  • $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person.
  • $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
  • $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UIM): This covers medical treatments for you, your relatives who live with you, and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Your policy must meet or exceed the following coverage amounts.
  • $25,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per person.
  • $50,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per accident.

If you want to have even more liability coverage than your car insurance can provide, you can supplement your policy with umbrella insurance. This is an affordable way to significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage.

Save on Car Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

What Else Can New Canaan Car Insurance Cover?

Car insurance companies also offer a variety of coverage options.

• Physical damage coverage: This covers damage to your own vehicle. It is not required by law, but it is typically required by lenders and dealerships if you are financing or leasing your car. Physical damage coverage includes:
  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Medical payments coverage: This can help cover the cost of medical treatments, lost wages, and funeral costs for you or your passengers if you are injured or killed in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance if you need help, such as if you run out of gas or get a flat tire, and of towing your car to a shop if it is disabled, such as if your engine overheats or you blow a head gasket.
• Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired following a covered event.
• Full glass coverage: This covers the cost of replacing broken safety glass with no deductible.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your car is totaled, but you still owe more than it is worth.

Reviewing the details and costs of all offered coverage options lets you best decide which options are a good value for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in New Canaan?

It is illegal to drive without insurance in Connecticut. If you are caught, you can face penalties including:

• A Class C Misdemeanor conviction on your record
• Fines of $100 to $1,000 for the person driving the uninsured vehicle and $500 for the uninsured vehicle’s owner
• Possible jail time for up the three months
• A civil penalty of $200 or the suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration for one to six months
• A restoration fee of $175 to get your license and registration back
• The possible impoundment of your vehicle
• Higher car insurance rates

If your car is impounded, you will need to pay a $50 confiscation fee and show proof of insurance to get it back. Failure to do so within 45 days can result in the forfeiture of your vehicle to the state.

Perhaps because of these tough penalties, Connecticut has a lower-than-average rate of uninsured drivers.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Connecticut drivers who are uninsured: 9.4%

Because your car insurance policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will have the coverage you need to pay for your medical costs.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in New Canaan, CT?

The auto theft rate in Connecticut is lower than the national average, and in New Canaan, the risk is even lower. Residents of this city report around ten auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Connecticut auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.07
• New Canaan auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.35

Although your risk of having your vehicle stolen while in your neighborhood is low, New Canaan probably isn’t the only place you drive your car. Therefore, you should be aware that your insurance company will only reimburse you for a stolen car if your auto policy includes comprehensive coverage.

You likely already have comprehensive coverage if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your New Canaan car insurance policy.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in New Canaan, Connecticut?

The best car insurance companies in Connecticut are the ones that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have developed partnerships with many of Connecticut’s outstanding insurance companies. This lets you be sure that when your agent presents you with policies and quotes, they come from insurance companies you can trust.

How Can an Independent Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance in New Canaan?

Independent agents make it easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance policy. These agents can explain your various coverage options, answer your coverage-related questions, and help you compare policies and rates from a selection of competing insurance providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to get started.