Yes, auto insurance can get expensive, and sometimes it doesn’t seem that you’re getting much for your money. However, driving in West Hartford, Connecticut without sufficient insurance coverage can have long-lasting consequences. You could lose your driving privileges and even have to pay a stiff fine. Knowing the facts about minimum auto coverage requirements in Connecticut is essential to staying on the right side of the law. As an independent agent, we can help you evaluate all of your auto insurance options to find the one that best suits your driving habits and your budget.

Connecticut Insurance Requirements

As of January 2013, all drivers in the state of Connecticut are required to carry at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage as well as $10,000 per accident in property damage liability. This coverage comes into effect if someone else is injured in a car accident in which you were at fault or if property is damaged in an accident where you were at fault. These coverages do not apply to damage to your own car from an accident or act of nature, such as a tree falling on your car. Such coverages, called collision and comprehensive respectively, require additional premiums.

Factors in the Cost of Auto Insurance

Several factors go into determining the price of your auto insurance. First and foremost is your driving record. Have you had any offenses (even speeding tickets) within the last three to five years? Also factored into the price is the year, make and model of car you drive; where you live; and your driving habits (e.g. how many miles a year you drive.)

Satisfying the basic state auto insurance requirements is generally not expensive. Don’t leave yourself at risk; contact us today to speak with an experience independent agent.

If you have a vehicle that is registered in West Hartford, Connecticut, you will need to provide proof of insurance on the vehicle. However, if the car is being unused or stored you may not be required to carry full coverage insurance during the time the car is in storage. There are several things to consider, however, before you cancel the coverage on your car.

If you have a loan on the car, the lender will typically require you to carry a specific amount of coverage on the car, whether it is being driven or not. However, if you do not have a loan of the vehicle and it is inoperable due to being repaired, it is a second car that is only driven a few times each year or the car is being stored, West Hartford, Connecticut requires you that you remove the plates and take them to the registration section of the department of motor vehicles. The plates can be removed and turned in and placed on hold for specific periods of time, such as if the car is unused due to extensive repairs or if the car is being stored for the season, is an antique or being restored.

It is important to keep in mind that even though your car is being stored or unused, there are accidents that can happen. It is highly recommended that you speak with your independent agent to see if there are discounts you may qualify for or if there is a specific policy you can buy that is less expensive than full coverage, but will cover any damages that may happen to your car while it is in storage. For example, if you do not have a loan on the car and do not have to have full coverage insurance, our agents can talk with you about comprehensive coverage, which will protect you from massive repair expenses should damage occur to the car while being stored or during the time you have it out of storage to do repairs or restorations.

When driving in the winter in Connecticut, roads can be very hazardous due to the natural slickness from ice and snow. As you independent insurance agent, we want to provide tips for our policy holders for driving in these conditions to help minimize a drivers chance at being in an accident. Below are a few tips for preparing to drive with safety during the often harsh New England winters, be it in West Hartford or anywhere else in Connecticut.

KNOW THE ROUTE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Accidents often occur when people don’t know exactly where they are going, causing them to stop suddenly or take sudden turns. So make sure you plan your route out exactly when driving in these adverse winter weather conditions. Take along a GPS if you have to. Also, pay attention to the weather forecast itself, so you are aware of if the outside conditions are going to get worse.

SLOW DOWN

Driving more slowly in wet or icy conditions in Connecticut is a good rule of thumb, as it will allow you to stop more easily and react more quickly to anything that might cause an accident. However, it’s important to not go too slow as this can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. Your car also needs a certain amount of momentum at all times to go up icy hills, otherwise gravity will take hold and you will really lose control of the car.

LEARN HOW TO STEER OUT OF SKIDS

If you hit the brakes a little too hard and skid on the icy road conditions, learn how to steer out of the skid so you don’t lose total control of the car. First, relax and steer the car in the direction you want it to go. Second, do not touch the brakes while you do this, as that will cause your wheels to lock up and really make you lose control.