Uninsured Motorist Laws for Connecticut

Uininsured motorist laws for Connecticut allow individuals insured under automobile liability policies to be protected in accidents with uninsured or under-insured motorists to the same extent as they would be under their regular liability coverage. You can choose to take less coverage though. You should understand what doing so can mean.

Uninsured Motorist Protection Explained

Uninsured motorists do not have insurance coverage at the time of an accident. Whether their insurance lapses without their knowledge or they simply choose to drive without coverage, you can be left to pay for injuries to your passengers, yourself and property damage if you do not carry uninsured motorist protection.

Because drivers often opt for minimal coverage to lower insurance premiums, another type of driver can leave you without adequate compensation. The under-insured motorist has some protection, probably the minimum required under Connecticut law, but not enough to pay for your damages and injuries caused by a tortfeasor under-insured driver.

How to Protect Yourself

It is vital to carry adequate insurance coverage to protect your assets from losses due to injuries to your passengers, serious injuries to yourself that could mean lost wages or other serious consequences and other unplanned expenses. Discuss recommended insurance policy coverage with your attorney to make sure you have the right coverage given your financial situation. Connecticut law allows drivers to "stack" uninsured motorist protection by having multiple insurance policies to protect them in case of an accident with an uninsured motorist. This type of multiple coverage is not allowed in some states, but Connecticut currently allows it.

Waiving Uninsured Motorist Protection

Under Connecticut law, drivers may choose to take less uninsured motorist protection than is offered by their insurance provider. If a driver chooses less coverage, they should be asked to sign a waiver stating that they opted for less than coverage than was offered. While you may wish to lower your insurance payments, doing so could cost you more than you realize in the long run.

Getting Legal Help

If you need assistance dealing with an insurance claim because an accident with an uninsured motorist, it is an excellent idea to talk with a Connecticut personal injury attorney. An attorney can assist you with dealing with the driver, your insurance or other parties. You may be able to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damage to your vehicle or property and other costs depending on your insurance policy.