Car Insurance in Stamford, CT
Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more for drivers in Stamford, Connecticut.
Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career. He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.
Even the most careful drivers can get into accidents, especially when road conditions are bad due to ice or heavy rains. Whether you are involved in a high-speed collision on Interstate-95 or a fender-bender on Tresser Boulevard, a good car insurance policy can shield you from significant financial losses.
Independent agents in Stamford are ready to answer your coverage-related questions and help you find a suitable auto insurance 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 Stamford, CT?
Drivers in Connecticut, and Stamford specifically, pay more for car insurance than the national average rate. Shopping around for the best rate can save you a lot of money.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Connecticut average annual car insurance cost: $1,690
- Stamford average annual car insurance cost: $1,691
An average rate can only give you a ballpark idea of what you might actually be expected to pay. Premiums vary from one driver to the next because car insurance companies calculate rates according to several factors like:
- Information about your car, like its year, make, model, and value
- Information about you, like your age, occupation, and driving history
- Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
- The accident and auto theft rate in the vicinity of your home
- The amount of liability insurance you want to buy
- Which, if any, coverage options you want to include in your policy
- The size of your deductible
When you request customized quotes from a few different insurance providers, you will likely 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 by comparison shopping for you.
Are There Ways to Get Car Insurance Discounts in Stamford, CT?
If you purchase your auto coverage from the same insurance company that provides some of your other policies, like your homeowners insurance or renters insurance, this is called bundling. It can save you money because you will typically earn discounted rates on all the policies in your bundle.
Other potential car insurance discounts you may come across when comparing rates include:
- Safe driver discounts
- Military discounts
- Multi-car discounts
- Teacher discounts
- Good student discounts
A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any discounts you are entitled to.
Is Car Insurance Required in Stamford, Connecticut?
As a vehicle owner in Stamford, you must have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Connecticut’s minimum coverage requirements. In this state, all auto policies must include the following types of coverage:
- Liability insurance: This covers other people’s injuries and property damage if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must meet or exceed the following liability coverage amounts:
- Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $25,000
- Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $50,000
- Property damage coverage per accident: $25,000
- Uninsured motorist insurance (UIM): This covers medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. Your policy must meet or exceed the following coverage amounts.
- UIM bodily injury coverage per person: $25,000
- UIM bodily injury coverage per accident: $50,000
If you want even higher liability coverage limits 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.
What Else Does Stamford, CT Car Insurance Cover?
In addition to the mandatory coverage mentioned above, car insurance companies provide various coverage options. You can expect most car insurance companies to offer:
- Physical damage coverage: This provides coverage for 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: This helps pay for medical treatments, lost wages, funeral costs, and other related expenses if you or your passengers are injured or killed in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Full glass coverage: This covers the cost of replacing broken safety glass like your car’s windshield. This coverage has no deductible.
- Towing and roadside assistance: This pays for help and towing services if you have a disabled vehicle, such as if you have an overheated engine or a flat tire.
- Rental car reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of a rental car while yours is being repaired following a covered event.
- 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 your coverage options helps you determine which, if any, are a good value for you and your family.
What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Stamford, CT?
Driving without insurance is a Class C Misdemeanor in Connecticut. If caught committing this violation, you can face some pretty harsh penalties such as:
- Fines: The uninsured vehicle’s driver can be fined $100 to $1,000. The owner of the uninsured vehicle can also be issued a $500 fine even if they weren’t in the car.
- Incarceration: Uninsured drivers can face up to three months in jail.
- Revocation of driving privileges: Uninsured drivers can have their license and vehicle registration suspended for one to six months or be assessed a $200 civil penalty.
- Vehicle impoundment: Uninsured vehicles may be impounded.
- Fees: A fee of $175 is needed to get your license and vehicle registration reinstated. Also, if your vehicle has been impounded, you will need to pay a $50 confiscation fee and show proof of insurance to get it back.
- Higher car insurance rates: Many insurance companies increase rates for drivers who have an uninsured driving conviction on their record.
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 residents of Connecticut are required to have uninsured motorist insurance, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you will have the compensation you need to cover your medical costs.
How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Stamford, CT?
The auto theft rate in Connecticut is lower than the national average, and in Stamford, the rate is even lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around 200 auto thefts a year.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
- Connecticut auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.07
- Stamford auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 1.23
Be aware that your car insurance can only reimburse you for a stolen car if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, you probably have this coverage already.
What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Stamford, Connecticut?
The best car insurance companies in Stamford are the providers that have a long history of consistently delivering responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates to their policyholders.
Independent insurance agents have developed relationships with many outstanding insurance companies in Connecticut. When your agent presents you with policies and prices to review, you can be sure they come from insurance providers you can rely on if you need to file a claim.
How Can an Independent Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance in Stamford, CT?
Independent agents make it easy to find an ideal 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. When you’re ready to find the best and most affordable car insurance policy, contact an independent insurance agent near you to get started.
https://portal.ct.gov/CID/General-Consumer-Information/Automobile-Coverage-Information
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/rpt/2016-R-0037.htm
https://www.city-data.com/city/Stamford-Connecticut.html