From winding lanes through forests to big-city gridlock, Connecticut has roads of all kinds. Unfortunately, it also has some of the most expensive car insurance rates in the country.
We’ve researched the best car insurance companies nationwide, and now we’ll tell you which providers offer the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut. Read on for our top picks, plus rate estimates for Connecticut drivers and information on state minimum coverage.
In this article:
- 5 Companies With The Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
- Connecticut Car Insurance Requirements
- Cost Of The Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
- What To Know About Driving In Connecticut
- Final Thoughts: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Methodology
5 Companies With The Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
By looking at cost data and J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores, we ranked options for the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut. Below are the results of our research:
| Best Cheap Connecticut Car Insurance | Motor1 Rating | Connecticut Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Geico Car Insurance | 4.6 | $972 |
| 2. Progressive Car Insurance | 4.6 | $1,296 |
| 3. State Farm Car Insurance | 4.6 | $1,378 |
| 4. USAA Car Insurance | 4.8 | $1,189 |
| 5. Amica Car Insurance | 4.0 | $2,513 |
*You may notice that some car insurance companies are listed above those with higher star ratings. This is because our star ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking looks specifically at what insurance providers are best for car insurance in Connecticut.
#1 Geico: Best Overall
Constitution State drivers would do well to check out Geico, our number one choice for the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut. Geico easily offers the lowest average premium in Connecticut, and it ranked third for customer satisfaction in New England in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠.
AM Best gives Geico an A++ rating for financial strength, meaning that your coverage is secure with the provider. Combine this with excellent average rates, and Geico takes top honors for the best cheap auto insurance in Connecticut.
| Geico Pros | Geico Cons |
|---|---|
| Many choices for coverage | Average quotes experience |
| High level of customer satisfaction | |
| Competitive pricing |
#2 Progressive: Best For High-Risk Drivers
Progressive tends to insure drivers rejected by other companies, making it easier for those with dings on their driving records to find the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut. The company also offers a generous accident forgiveness program.
Progressive holds an A+ rating for financial strength from AM Best and offers competitive premiums for Connecticut motorists. New England drivers rated Progressive as above average for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, making it a solid choice for the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut.
| Progressive Pros | Progressive Cons |
|---|---|
| Good choice for high-risk drivers | Slightly higher rates on average |
| Easy car insurance quotes process | |
| A+ financial strength rating from AM Best |
#3 State Farm: Best For Students
State Farm is the United States’ largest auto insurance provider, and policyholders can expect a wide array of coverage options and discounts.
State Farm auto insurance is a particularly compelling choice for students, who can enjoy many discounts tailored to their needs. Here are just a few of the ways to save:
- Accident-free discount
- Defensive driving course discount
- Good student discount
- Good driving discount
- Student away at school discount
While State Farm’s prices sit slightly on the higher side, discounts often eliminate the difference. Even if they don’t, the fact that New England drivers gave State Farm second place for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study makes the provider a great choice for car insurance in Connecticut.
| State Farm Pros | State Farm Cons |
|---|---|
| Largest auto insurer in the country | Slightly higher rates on average |
| Many discounts for students and teen drivers | |
| A++ financial strength rating from AM Best |
#4 USAA: Best For Military
Though USAA car insurance may not be available to all Connecticut drivers, those who qualify should definitely check the company out. Its services are restricted to military members, veterans, and their families.
USAA earned New England’s highest average customer satisfaction score in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study (though it was excluded from rankings because of its eligibility requirements). On top of this, the provider delivers below-average annual car insurance premiums and quite a few choices for coverage. Any military members or other eligible drivers looking for the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut should consider USAA.
| USAA Pros | USAA Cons |
|---|---|
| Good option for military members | Only available for military members, veterans, and their families |
| Affordable rates and numerous discounts | |
| Superior customer service |
#5 Amica: Customer-Centered Care
If you’re looking for auto insurance in Connecticut, Amica auto insurance is a smart choice. The company won first place in New England for customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, and it holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
While Amica offers good customer service, the rate estimate we received was more expensive per year than competitors’ rates. Still, the best car insurance coverage in Connecticut may come from Amica depending on what's most important to you.
| Amica Pros | Amica Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong customer satisfaction | High prices for high-risk and young drivers |
| Wide range of discounts | |
| Valuable add-ons and perks available |
Connecticut Car Insurance Requirements
Drivers in Connecticut must be aware of state minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance, which differ slightly across state borders. According to the State of Connecticut Insurance Department, Connecticut law requires that all drivers at least carry:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability coverage
- $25,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist protection per person
- $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist protection per accident
Liability insurance is the money paid out to others when you cause a car accident. Nearly every state, Connecticut included, requires this auto insurance coverage. Uninsured motorist protection pays for damages from motorists who illegally drive without car insurance and get in accidents they can’t pay for.
While Connecticut only requires these two types of auto insurance, many drivers find it helpful to pick up full coverage car insurance for increased protection.
Cost Of The Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
Our rate estimates reveal that a 35-year-old driver in Connecticut with a clean driving record and good credit history will pay around $1,900 per year for car insurance. The average annual premium across the U.S. is $1,732, so Connecticut drivers should be prepared to pay more.
Depending on your driver profile and the provider you choose, you will get different rates when shopping for cheap car insurance in Connecticut.
Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut: Provider Comparison
| Car Insurance Company | Connecticut Annual Car Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Geico | $972 |
| USAA | $1,189 |
| Progressive | $1,296 |
| State Farm | $1,378 |
| Nationwide | $1,683 |
| MetLife | $1,890 |
| Amica | $2,513 |
Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut: Credit Score
If you have a poor credit rating, expect to have a much harder time finding the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut. A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars each year.
| Credit Rating | Connecticut Annual Car Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Good | $1,900 |
| Fair | $2,558 |
| Poor | $4,056 |
Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut: Driving Record
Causing an accident and getting a DUI are two surefire ways to add thousands to your annual car insurance premiums. Avoid these two and you can cut down on your average cost of car insurance coverage considerably.
| Driving Record | Connecticut Annual Car Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Clean | $1,900 |
| Speeding Ticket | $2,252 |
| At-Fault Accident | $3,060 |
| DUI | $4,030 |
Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut: City Comparison
Finding the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut is tough in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Hartford, where annual premiums regularly top $2,000. Surprisingly, rates are pretty much average in Stamford despite its proximity to New York City.
| City | Connecticut Annual Car Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Norwich | $1,582 |
| Bristol | $1,583 |
| Danbury | $1,692 |
| Stamford | $1,825 |
| Hartford | $2,264 |
| New Haven | $2,279 |
| Bridgeport | $2,328 |
What To Know About Driving In Connecticut
Connecticut drivers averaged about 12,000 miles on the highway in 2019, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, one of the lower rates in the United States. There were 249 vehicle fatalities in the state in 2019, averaging out to a rate of 7.0 per 100,000, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The national average was a much higher 11 deaths per 100,000 people.
Staying safe on the road can be a struggle in Connecticut due to its harsh winter weather and packed highways. Protect yourself and others by following the state’s laws and by purchasing some of the best cheap car insurance in Connecticut.
Final Thoughts: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut
Auto insurance doesn’t come cheap in the Constitution State, but there are deals to be found. Our research suggests that Geico, Progressive, State Farm, USAA, and Amica may be worth a look as you search for cheap auto coverage in Connecticut.
An easy way to find an auto insurance policy with the best rates is by comparing personalized quotes from insurance carriers.
Methodology
In an effort to provide accurate and unbiased information to consumers, our expert review team collects data from dozens of auto insurance providers to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Companies receive a score in each of the following categories, as well as an overall weighted score out of 5.0 stars.
- Industry Standing: Insurers with strong financial ratings and customer-first business practices receive the highest scores in this category.
- Availability: We consider availability by state as well as exclusions for specific groups of drivers.
- Coverage: This rating is based on types of insurance available, maximum coverage limits, and add-on policies.
- Cost and Discounts: Our research team reviews auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services for a variety of drivers in every state. Companies with lower prices and many car insurance discount opportunities receive the best scores.
- Customer Service: We comb through customer reviews and consumer feedback studies from experts like J.D. Power.
- Technology: Auto insurers with mobile apps, advanced online services and telematics are more likely to meet consumer needs.
More On Insurance:
About this article