Why Higher Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Matters in Connecticut
Connecticut drivers face some of the highest auto repair and medical costs in the country. At the same time, many drivers carry only the state-minimum insurance limits—or no insurance at all. This combination creates a significant coverage gap for responsible drivers.
Higher Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect yourself, your family, and your finances on Connecticut roads. If you want to review your current limits, you can start with the Auto Insurance Quote Form.
What Is Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
UM/UIM coverage provides protection when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The at-fault driver has insufficient insurance
- A hit-and-run driver causes your injuries
In Connecticut, UM/UIM protection follows you, whether you’re in your car, walking, cycling, or riding as a passenger. It makes an excellent complement to broader protection packages like Homeowners Insurance or Personal Umbrella Insurance.
Connecticut’s State-Minimum Auto Insurance Limits Are Very Low
Drivers in Connecticut are required to carry only:
$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
This amount is often too low to cover real medical costs after an accident. A single ER visit can surpass the state minimum.
If the at-fault driver cannot pay, your UM/UIM coverage becomes your primary financial protection. To explore stronger auto insurance options, visit Auto Insurance Services.
2. Medical Costs and Lost Income Add Up Fast in CT
A moderate accident may generate:
- Emergency room bills
- Imaging tests
- Specialist visits
- Physical therapy
- Lost income
- Medication costs
When a driver without enough insurance injures you, UM/UIM steps in to pay what their policy cannot.
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to medical cost spikes, which is why riders often increase UM/UIM limits. Learn more about related protection in Motorcycle Insurance CT.
3. Your Family & Passengers Are Protected Too
UM/UIM coverage in Connecticut follows the person, not the vehicle. This means it protects:
- You as a driver
- Your passengers
- Your children
- Members of your household
- You while walking or biking
Families who travel in multiple vehicles benefit greatly from this type of coverage. Households with recreational vehicles may also want to review related options like RV Insurance in CT or Boat Insurance, depending on their needs.
4. UM/UIM Coverage Is One of CT’s Best-Value Insurance Upgrades
Raising UM/UIM limits to $250,000/$500,000 or higher is surprisingly affordable.
It’s often one of the most cost-effective upgrades available in Connecticut.
If you’re already reviewing your policy, this is also a good opportunity to check related coverages like Coastal Homeowners Insurance if you live along the shoreline, or Renters Insurance for additional personal property protection.
5. Hit-and-Run Accidents in Connecticut Are Covered
Hit-and-run accidents are common in counties like New Haven, Middlesex, and shoreline communities.
UM coverage treats hit-and-run drivers exactly like uninsured drivers—meaning you remain protected even if the other driver cannot be found.
(Source: CT DMV Uninsured Driving & Accident Data)
Drivers who frequently commute or travel in high-traffic areas may also consider Workers Compensation Solutions if they own a business with company vehicles.
6. Match UM/UIM Limits to Your Liability Limit (CT Best Practice)
Most Connecticut insurers recommend matching UM/UIM coverage to your liability coverage.
If you’re protecting others with strong limits, you should protect yourself just as much.
This best practice helps prevent financial gaps after a serious accident.
Why Doubling Your UM/UIM Limits (“2X Coverage”) Is Even Smarter
Many Connecticut insurance carriers allow drivers to purchase double UM/UIM limits, also known as 2X coverage.
If you have $250,000/$500,000 liability, you can increase UM/UIM coverage to:
$500,000/$1,000,000
Here’s why 2X coverage is a strong choice:
1. Liability Covers Others—UM/UIM Covers YOU
Liability coverage protects the people you injure.
UM/UIM coverage protects you and your family.
This makes UM/UIM one of the strongest financial defenses available.
2. Serious Injuries Can Exceed Even High Limits
A major accident can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars due to:
- Surgeries
- Rehab
- Lost income
- Long-term care
- Pain & suffering
Double UM/UIM offers protection against these large-scale expenses.
3. Most Underinsured Drivers in CT Are Severely Underinsured
A typical Connecticut scenario:
- The at-fault driver carries the $25,000 minimum
- Your medical bills far exceed that
- Even your standard UM/UIM may fall short
Doubling your limits fills this gap dramatically.
4. Works Seamlessly With a Personal Umbrella Policy
If you carry a Personal Umbrella Insurance policy, strong underlying UM/UIM limits are required for umbrella-level protection.
Doubling your UM/UIM ensures your umbrella can fully protect you.
5. 2X Limits Are Still Very Affordable
Even doubled UM/UIM limits are typically inexpensive compared to the financial coverage they provide.
If you also own seasonal or secondary properties, consider reinforcing your financial safety net with policies such as Vacant Dwelling Insurance.
Related Insurance Services
You may also find these services useful:
- Request an Auto Insurance Quote
- Homeowners Insurance
- Motorcycle Insurance CT
- Personal Umbrella Insurance
- RV Insurance
- Boat Insurance
FAQs — Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Connecticut
- Is UM/UIM coverage required in Connecticut?
Yes. The state requires at least $25,000/$50,000 in UM/UIM coverage.
- Does UM/UIM cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes. Connecticut treats hit-and-run claims as uninsured motorist claims.
- Should I choose 2X UM/UIM coverage?
For many Connecticut drivers, doubling UM/UIM limits is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve protection.
- Does UM/UIM protect me when walking or biking?
Yes. UM/UIM follows you everywhere—not just when you’re in your car.
Final Thoughts — Strong UM/UIM Coverage Is Essential in Connecticut
Connecticut’s high repair expenses, medical costs, and large number of underinsured drivers make UM/UIM one of the most important coverages on your auto policy.
Increasing—or doubling—your limits is a smart, affordable way to protect your finances and your family.
Get a Connecticut Auto Insurance Quote
Want to see how affordable higher UM/UIM coverage can be?
Request an Auto Insurance Quote:
Page Insurance proudly serves Guilford, New Haven, Middlesex County, and the Connecticut Shoreline.
To schedule a call, start with our contact form!