High Risk Auto Insurance In Connecticut

High risk auto insurance in Connecticut is not always cheap. But there are many policies that are underwritten by the best biggest companies that can keep premiums affordable until the rate starts to gradually reduce. And that is one thing positive about high risk car auto insurance. Eventually, your premium has to come down!

If you find yourself in this substandard category, of course, your Connecticut  car insurance rates have drastically increased. If you’re fortunate, the large increase will be isolated to a single vehicle or perhaps only the driver that has most (or all) of the tickets and accidents. Of course sometimes, it may just be many little claims instead of one big one. Insurers often frown upon the “quantity” of claims just as much as the amount of money that is paid out.

One of the most important things to do is to request a copy of your driving and accident record from the  Department of Motor Vehicles. You should also ask for a printout of your claim history with your current company. Whether you stay with your existing company (which is probably the best option), or attempt to change to a different company, you’ll need to know the exact dates and details of every incident for the last 3-5 years. And that applies to all drivers in the household, not just you.

If there are two or more violations (or at-fault accidents) that are about to drop off your driving record, the best advice may be to stay put and wait a few months before attempting to change car insurance coverage. The magnitude of the rate reduction could be large, perhaps as much as 30%-50%. So why jeopardize a substantial rate reduction by applying for a new policy to early.

Non at-fault accidents and other incidents (such as vandalism, theft, fire etc…) must also be disclosed. While each  auto insurance company treats these differently, these incidents must be reviewed by the underwriter along with any other blemish on the record. Accidents where the other driver received a citation may have little or no impact on the underwriter’s decision.

An underwriter for your insurance application does not necessarily determine your exact premium. They will evaluate many pieces of information, including your driving record, how long you have been insured with them, claims history and possible credit history. However, they can determine if that particular company (Geico or Farmers, for example) will accept you as a new policyholder. Since they may choose to reject your application, it is never a good idea to cancel your active policy and then start checking rates from other insurance companies.

High risk CT car insurance rates are often quite different when you are comparing different companies. Underwriting guidelines and cancellation procedures are never identical from one company to the next. But you can’t simply haphazardly apply to handfuls of companies. For that reason, knowing, or perhaps getting a good inclination of an underwriting decision BEFORE you apply for a policy is a must.

Sometimes a “non-bound” application will be accepted, and this method is recommended.  This option often allows you to apply for an auto insurance policy without committing to the purchase. Often, no advanced payment is required, although there is no guarantee that you will be offered a Connecticut policy.

0 Comments

Connecticut Car Insurance Companies – Save On CT Auto Insurance

Connecticut car insurance companies provide affordable coverage for drivers and vehicles in the Husky state. There are many reputable options for insuring your vehicles, but some of the most competitive auto insurers in Connecticut are Progressive, Esurance, Unitrin, Liberty Mutual and Geico. Of course, there are other companies that offer reasonable premiums in many parts of the state.

Progressive insurance, although based in Ohio, is very popular in Connecticut. Perhaps it’s the catchy commercials or the great radio ads, but more than likely their popularity comes from providing great car insurance rates and excellent service. They’re not always the least expensive option for your vehicles, but it’s wise to compare their cost to your current policy at least once every five years.

Esurance is now part of Allstate. It’s an interesting combination of local neighborhood office locations with a strong internet presence. Originating online in 1999, it has grown into one of the top online carriers. You can print ID cards, pay premiums and a contact customer service representative online. And of course, just as importantly, their rates in Virginia are very competitive.

They are also available via phone or email. As previously mentioned, Allstate is their owner and based on the amount of money they paid for Esurance, they’re keeping a close watch to make sure the online operation (including the claims process) runs smoothly.

Unitrin is not as widely recognized as many other auto insurers. But they write a fair amount of policies in Connecticut and are actually part of Kemper Corporation.  And just like Esurance, consumers purchase their Va car insurance online, instead of through a local office. Signatures are signed electronically and customer service requests are handled online, via email or by phone.

Unitrin’s rates are fairly low in portions of Virginia, although traditionally, they are not going to offer the lowest rate in the industry. Since they only offer coverage in about half of the states, you may have to change companies, depending on if/where you move.

State Farm is of course, always there! But…how good are their rates? Actually, pretty good. And the longer you’re insured with them, the better and more competitive their rates seem to become. They do most of their business through a neighborhood agent as opposed to online. And they still utilize drive-in claims service centers in some areas. State Farm, like most companies, offers a wide range of discounts that can make a bid difference in your rates.

Geico has come a long way since the days when they only offered policies to government employees. Not only do they (along with Progressive) have the best commercials among insurers, but their quoting process seems to be less time-consuming than many other companies. And of course, you don’t want to spend too much time on generating the quote.

Geico’s Connecticut auto insurance rates are solid and they have an attractive package of policy options. There’s a wide array of deductible options and their “wait time” on a consumer service request is very low. Geico is definitely one of the companies to consider for insuring your vehicles.

Liberty Mutual celebrates its 100th year of service this year. And most drivers in Connecticut may not realize that they are the third largest property and casualty writer in the country. They offer a full basket of products and their policies can be purchased online or through independent brokers. Like other companies, rates will be dependent on many factors, including the area of the state where you live.

We didn’t review all of the car insurance companies in Connecticut since the list is quite long. However, you should be able to easily compare most (or perhaps all) of the carriers by completing the quote section at the top of the page.

Comments Off

Buy Cheap Car Insurance In Connecticut

Buying cheap car insurance in Connecticut is possible through our website. Regardless if you have one vehicle or may vehicles, own your home or rent an apartment, have a spotless Connecticut driving record or have many tickets and accidents on your record, we’ll help you find the cheapest car insurance rates in the state.

 

But you are going to have to stay within the “rules.” And perhaps the most important concern is meeting the state minimum liability requirement. Each state is different, and currently, Connecticut requires $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident and additional $10,000 of property damage. Uninsured/Underinsured protection $20,000/$40,000 is also required.

 

If you are willing to drive with these low limits, then there are many large reputable companies that may offer very affordable rates. Two of the major carriers that seem to consistently offer attractive premiums are Geico and Progressive. Both companies offer many low cost policies with flexible billing options.

 

A few other carriers that offer competitive rates include Esurance, Allstate, Travelers, Nationwide and State Farm. We have created the “Quote” section at the top of this page so you can provide basic information to eventually compare Connecticut car insurance rates. After viewing rate differences from a few different companies, you’ll be in the driver’s seat regarding buying a new policy or keeping your existing coverage.

 

Cheap rates don’t always have to mean cheap coverage. Many of the previously mentioned companies offer higher liability limits without substantially increasing the premium. Of course, you won’t be able to carry a million dollars of liability coverage without a fairly high increase, but raising your bodily injury limits to $25,000/$50,000 shouldn’t put too heavy of a dent in the amount you pay.

 

Requesting an “annual” policy instead of a “six month” policy may save you money with selected Connecticut car insurance companies. Although this won’t likely provide any billing discounts, it may prolong a rate increase if one is scheduled during the second six months of your policy. Of course, after the second six months of coverage, all past and current increases will be applied.

 

Sometimes, you have to wait to get the cheapest car insurance rates. Why? For example, if you currently have a ticket (or two) or an at-fault accident on your driving record, it’s likely that you are not receiving the lowest available premiums from your existing carrier. While it still is smart to get a few quotes from other companies, you may have to keep your existing policy for a while.

 

However, as the tickets and accidents become older and of course, expunged from your driving record, now you’re in the “driver’s seat” (no pun intended!) and the chances of finding cheap Connecticut car insurance dramatically increases. It now becomes one of your best opportunities to compare prices and coverage and possibly save quite a bit of money.

 

During this process, it’s just as important to improve your credit rating. The first step is to request a copy of your credit report from the three largest reporting agencies, review the results, and take action to improve your score. The combination of having your accidents and tickets age, along with some improvement in your credit score, could easily put hundreds, or even thousands of dollars of premium back into your pocket and reduce your car insurance quotes.

 

The cheapest auto insurance rates in Connecticut will change. For example, State Farm might offer the lowest rates in your area, but several months later, Allstate or Progressive might have re-priced their policies and are now offering the best deals. When you complete the “Free Quote” section at the top of the page, shortly, we’ll provide the most competitive options for your vehicles and explain how easy it is to apply for a policy.

Comments Off

Connecticut Short Term Health Insurance Plans

Connecticut short term health insurance plans are extremely affordable and are the perfect fit for families or individuals that need medical benefits for less than 12 months. Short term plans are mostly used in situations where you are not working (perhaps temporarily), have lost your job, have just graduated from college or another school or simply want cheap health care for a limited amount of time.

Short term affordable health insurance in Connecticut can be purchased from many of the large insurers in the state. We quickly help you find the lowest rate so you can apply for coverage and get covered. The “Quote” section near the top of this page provides an easy method to view and compare your best choices and secure a policy as quickly as possible.

Since temporary plans are very flexible, you can cancel coverage very quickly. Thus, if you purchased a 6-month policy and are paying by the month, you are not obligated to keep the policy for the full duration. Completed an application can take less than 15 minutes and often coverage is approved immediately or within a day or so. Premiums (see two paragraphs below) are very affordable.

The CT health insurers that offer the most competitive rates for this type of coverage include UnitedHealthOne, HCC Life and Celtic. Rates will vary depending on many variables including date of birth, zip code, deductible and health conditions. But rates are always less expensive than other types of medical coverage, especially policies that include unlimited office visit benefits.

For example, a married couple in the Hartford area (Both 40 years old and healthy) would pay only $84 per month for coverage (UnitedHealthOne Medical Value & Medical Plus plans at $10,000 & 5,000 deductibles respectively). A $2,500 deductible for the “Medical Value” plan would only increase the rate to $104. Other fees may apply to the policy and it is always wise to read about benefits and exclusions.

Connecticut Short Term Health Insurance Coverage

A stated deductible usually applies to all claims. If there is more than one person named on the policy, multiple deductibles will apply. Coinsurance is typically 20% or 50% and prescriptions and office visits are generally not covered or subject to the deductible. Many companies, including UnitedHealthOne, provide a discount card that will slightly reduce the cost of some prescriptions. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, even if not mentioned on the initial application. However, there will not be many medical questions to answer either on an online or hard-copy application.

The lifetime benefits cap is typically $500,000 or $1million. Although the “Affordable Care Act” eliminated lifetime maximum caps, short-term plans are exempt from that requirement. Essentially, Connecticut short term health insurance plans are designed to be kept on a temporary basis, so benefits will not be identical to other personal or group comprehensive policies.

It is not advisable to keep these plans longer than a year. Most companies will require you to re-apply for a new plan once a current policy has expired. Since you have to prove insurability, it’s possible that a serious medical condition that arises can keep you from obtaining additional coverage.

Get your free Connecticut short-term quote today. We have created a quote section at the top of the page.

3 Comments

Affordable Connecticut Personal Health Insurance

Affordable Connecticut personal health insurance plans are available on our website. We have partnered with the very best health insurers in the state to provide you with the lowest available individual and family medical insurance rates in Connecticut. It’s very easy to compare and apply for coverage.

Quotes are provided from top carriers such as Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthOne, ConnectCare and Celtic. Each of these companies offers many low cost policies to both individuals and families. High deductible, copay, temporary short-term and Health Savings Account plans are offered. Rates can be easily viewed by providing your zip code.

What Are The Cheapest Connecticut Personal Health Insurance Plans?

Other than “short-term” plans, the cheapest policy is UnitedHealthOne’s “Saver 80” plan. It is one of the true catastrophic benefit plans in the US. The coverage is very straightforward and rates are extremely attractive in most parts of the state. Also, car insurance rates in Connecticut are also very affordable.

Although non-preventive office visits and prescriptions are not covered (a small Network discount may sometimes apply), once the deducible has been met, major medical benefits are provided with no lifetime cap on benefits paid. The most popular deductible options are between $2,500 and $10,000.

Another inexpensive option in Connecticut is Aetna’s “Managed Choice Open Access Value” plan that provides benefits similar to the “Saver 80” plan but also adds three additional non-preventive office visits that are only subject to a $30 copay. Deductibles as low as $1,500 are also available.

A healthy 43 year-old male would pay only $72 per month for a “Saver 80” plan with a $10,000 deductible. Lowering the deductible to $5,000 would increase the premium to $97. The “Managed Choice” plan would cost $98 for the $10,000 deductible and only $106 for the $5,000 deductible. A $3,000 deductible would increase the premium to $140. That’s still not a bad rate!

How Do You Apply For A Connecticut Health Insurance Policy?

The process is quick and painless. After you have entered your zip code in the box at the top of the page, you will be asked a few questions. From the information you provide, shortly, you’ll be presented with rate and coverage information from the top companies. You can pick out the plan that best fits your needs or you can utilize live assistance. There are quite a few policy options, but we’ll do everything possible to help point you towards the most affordable medical plans with the best benefits.

Your application usually can be completed through email, regular mail, fax or online. There are a few companies that aren’t as flexible and may require fax or email only. Payments do not necessarily have to be submitted with the application, but it does depend on which Connecticut health insurance company is used. Upon approval, you will have the option to accept or reject the offer.

What About The New Government Health Care That Is Being Offered?

“Obamacare” is not fully implemented in Connecticut yet. For children under age 19, insurers cannot deny coverage on stand-alone plans. And preventive coverage is now offered on most plans without restrictions. But most of the health care bill is not scheduled to go into effect until 2014.

A Supreme Court ruling in 2012 may decide the fate of its implementation. If the bill is struck down, it is likely that a new Congress will work hard to ensure that affordable health insurance in Connecticut remains available.

 

 

 

3 Comments

Connecticut Car Inspection Information

A Connecticut car inspection is required before you register certain vehicles. Some of these vehicles include ambulances, homemade trailers, street rods, taxis, grey market vans and trucks, Kit cars and vehicles used for school transportation. The complete list can be found at the Department Of Motor Vehicles website.

View The Lowest Car Insurance Rates In Connecticut. Click Here And Enter Your Zip Code.

Inspection Fees

Ambulance and taxi inspection fees in Connecticut are only $20. Fire apparatus fees would increase to $25, service buses would be $40 and service buses more than 13 tons would cost $80. Payments are accepted at license locations, AAA offices and branch/satellite offices.

Typically, you can pay fees by money orders, cash, checks, most credit cards and most debit cards. Some locations may not accept credit cards or cash so it’s best to call in advance.

Inspection Requirements

As indicated above, many cars and trucks are required to have inspections. Depending on the type of vehicle, a qualified dealer or repairer in Connecticut may be able to be used. However, often, the initial inspection may have to be done at the Department Of Motor Vehicles.

School buses must arrange their inspections by appointment and an out-of-state vehicle has two months to register. Meanwhile, if the serial number of the vehicle must be verified, many offices may handle that task including locations at Norwich, Danbury, Bridgeport, Hamden, Waterbury and Enfield. More specific details can be found at the DMV website.

Failed Safety Inspections

If your vehicle does not pass the safety inspection, you must pass a second inspection at an approved location. If the failed inspection occurs at a repairer or car dealer, then the second inspection can take place at that location. However, serial number and windows that are tinted must take place at an authorized location by the DMV here in Connecticut.

Connecticut Emissions Testing

Every two years, your vehicle must be tested and typically you receive a notice in the mail. The cost of the test is only $20 and it must be completed in order for you to legally drive your car. Testing dates and times are very flexible and appointments can be set in advance. There are hundreds of sites located throughout the state, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to drive very far for the procedure.

We urge all Virginia drivers to get the test done at least a few months before the due date. You are allowed to schedule an exam up to three months in advance. If you fail the exam, you have two months to correct the issue and re-test. Although you can repair the vehicle yourself, we highly recommend you go to a facility that has the proper certification. You will not have to pay for the re-test. However, if you fail a second time, you will be charged a fee.

What About Motorcycles In Connecticut?

Yes, motorcycles must also be inspected and the VIN number must be easily readable by the inspector. Braked must be working (front and back) along with working tail lights and stop lights. A drive chain and odometer is required and the license plate must be shown at the back of the bike.

Additional information is available here.

1 Comment

Bridgeport Car Insurance Rates

Bridgeport car insurance rates are very affordable. Low cost rates are available from most of the major companies such as Progressive, Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, Farmers and many other companies. We specialize in finding Connecticut consumers the lowest available auto insurance rates from the top carriers. We charge no fees and have many years of experience in the business.

Typically, Bridgeport rates are very competitive compared to other parts of the state. Possible reasons include, of course, fewer accidents per driver, lower average speed limits, and less fire and theft claims than other major cities. It’s possible that you may be able to save 20%-40% on your car insurance premiums, depending on which company currently insures you.

Another factor helping rates are the percentage of female drivers in the area. Unlike many other parts of the state, there are actually more licensed female drivers in the area than male drivers. And of course, since female rates are lower, insurers pass those savings on to their customers.

Although car insurance rates in Bridgeport are fairly low (roughly $200 per month), especially compared to the Hartford area, many other cities in Connecticut due feature lower premiums. For example, cities in the state with lower premiums include Danbury, Norwalk, Bristol, New Haven and Waterbury. For most areas of the state, however, rates this year have slightly declined from 2010 levels.

Early in 2011, Connecticut and New York became very proactive in finding drivers that were using cell phones while operating a vehicle. Of course, it is illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving in the state (since 2005). More than 7,000 drivers in the state (since 2010) have received citations and perhaps this increased attention is ultimately helping reduce car insurance rates.

At econnecticutinsurance.com, we’ll work with you to find affordable insurance coverage in Bridgeport and any other city in the state. We carefully choose which auto insurance carriers we do business with, and we will take ample time to make sure your quote is the lowest available rate you can get. And of course, there are never any fees that you would ever pay.

Instantly, view your free quote. Simply click on the “Get My Free Quotes” button at the top of the page, and within a few minutes, you’ll be able to view your options.

2 Comments

You Can Reduce Your Connecticut Auto Insurance Rate

You can reduce your Connecticut auto insurance rate. Although premiums in the state are fairly high, there are many available discounts and methods that can help lower the amount you pay.

Econnecticutinsurance.com is committed to providing the lowest available rates from the top carriers. We update this website daily to ensure the quotes are accurate and that you are receiving all available discounts from Connecticut insurance companies. By viewing your free quote at the top of the page, you’ll be able to quickly compare rates from the state’s most respected companies.

One of the most effective methods to reduce costs is to compare rates from other companies at least once every five years. Car insurance costs in Connecticut can often change quickly and significantly, so allowing us to do the shopping for you, will allow you to view the possible savings from changing companies. And by insuring your auto and homeowner’s insurance with the same carrier, you will save additional dollars.

Another popular method of reducing your auto insurance rate is to take advantage of the numerous available discounts. You may not be getting, or you may not know about many of these discounts.

A “multi-policy” discount (mentioned earlier) will lower your rate if you insure your vehicles and home with the same carrier. The discount is generally 5%-15%, depending on the carrier. Installing anti-theft devices or alarm systems will also reduce your premium.

And of course, the longer you drive without an at-fault accident or moving violation, the larger your “good driver” discount will grow. This also places you in a much better bargaining position if you are considering changing to a different Connecticut auto insurance company.

We highly recommend that you check, and if necessary, repair, your credit ratings before applying for new coverage. Most companies consider credit reports in determining what premium to charge. You can potentially reduce your rate by approximately 15% if you have superior credit ratings. A free annual credit report is available from reputable and reliable companies.

For additional information regarding reducing the amount you pay on your auto insurance, please call us or request a free quote. There is never any obligation and we always respect the privacy of your information.

1 Comment

Liability Or Full Coverage On Your Connecticut Car

Liability coverage or full coverage on your car? It’s not such an easy decision if your vehicle is more than seven years old. Connecticut car insurance companies will reduce the rate (sometimes substantially) if you remove the collision and comprehensive coverages from your auto policy. We’ll take the time to review your options and help you decide which coverage and carrier is best for your specific situation.

Liability

Connecticut has financial responsibility requirements regarding the minimum amount of liability coverage required to drive your vehicle (specifically discussed on this website). This type of coverage is the insurance that pays for damage you cause to other vehicles and property. It also pays for injuries to other persons that you may have harmed.
Liability coverage will not pay for any damage to your own car. So whether you have a “fender bender” that results in only a few hundred dollars of damage, or a major accident that totals your car, ultimately, you will not receive any type of settlement from the insurance company. If there is a bank loan on the vehicle, you will not be able to have “liability only” coverage on your car.

Full Coverage

Full coverage consists of two basic components- Collision and Comprehensive coverages.
Collision coverage pays for damages to your own vehicle as a result of you hitting another car, or another car hitting you. Also included would be damage to your car if you hit another object or roll over.

Comprehensive coverage typically includes damage to your vehicle that was not caused by a collision with another vehicle. Some of the most common comprehensive coverages include vandalism, loss or damage resulting from theft, fire, falling objects, storms and other (but not all) natural disasters. Towing fees and rental charges are also sometimes covered by comprehensive claims. You can also purchase comprehensive coverage without collision coverage.

If you are financing your car in Connecticut or have obtained a bank loan, you are required to keep collision and comprehensive coverages until the loan is paid off. If you do not agree to add these coverages to your policy, you will not be able to qualify for the loan. If your existing insurance were to lapse while the car is being financed, the lending institution will place their own coverage on the car…often at an extremely high rate.

When Should You Take Full Coverage Off Your Car?

Each customer’s situation is different and we’ll closely examine your specific rates and vehicle information to determine what’s best for you. Typically, when the combination of your collision and comprehensive premiums exceeds 15% of your total rate, it may be the appropriate time to consider dropping the collision and possibly the comprehensive coverage as well. But you must be willing to accept that if you have an at-fault accident, and your car is totaled, you won’t have any coverage…or car.

Econnecticutinsurance is the state’s trusted authority for affordable car insurance. Please call us today or request a free quote at the top of the page.

6 Comments

Free Connecticut Car Insurance Quotes

Free Connecticut car insurance quotes are available at any time on our website. Easily, you can compare and view the lowest Connecticut car insurance quotes and consider different plans from the top-rated companies. As the state’s most trusted resource for providing affordable car insurance coverage, we represent you, our client, and we are committed to taking the time to research rates from the best car insurance companies. We understand that comparing quotes is not easy (or fun!) so we have developed a process that saves you time and money.

The quotes we provide are always live and you are never under any obligation to purchase coverage from us. We only present the top high-quality companies such as Allstate, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Farmers, Esurance, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide. Our state of the art software is updated daily so your Connecticut auto insurance quote and comparisons will be accurate and customized to fit your personal needs. For example, if you drive excess miles each year, we’ll concentrate on companies that don’t charge extra for that type of driving. If there are cheap vehicle rates available, we’ll try to show them to you.

Your free quotes are prepared individually and are customized to fit your specific situation. If higher deductibles will substantially reduce your rate, we will discuss those options with you. If your liability limits need adjusting, we will carefully review any increased cost or potential savings. And if a particular car insurance company offers unexpectedly low rates in a specific part of the state, we’ll make sure you know about it. Rates do change so we’ll keep you well-informed of what impact they will have on you. Naturally, any changes in your driving habits, drivers in the household or driving record will likely impact your premium.

Car insurance discounts in Connecticut are available from most companies and we carefully make sure that any cost-saving discount is applied to your rate. If there’s a discount that will potentially reduce your rate in the future (such as “55 and retired”), we’ll review the details in advance so it is applied as soon as you are eligible. “Accident free” discounts are very common and we constantly verify your policy information to make sure your car insurance rate is properly reduced. Other popular discounts are “multi-policy,” “good student,” “multi-car” and “low mileage.”

Many companies allow you to complete the entire comparison and purchase process online. However, many people prefer to actually speak to a live person buying their auto insurance. You’ll always have the choice of how you buy your CT car insurance and from what company.

At EConnecticutinsurance.com, we truly value the importance of the customer. We work for you…not the other way around. You will never be charged any fees and  the car insurance quotes you view on our website will always be the lowest rates available from each company. You are also able to view quotes from many companies just as easily as a single carrier. We feel it’s always best to compare your options from three or four top car insurance companies, not just one. It is not unusual for Connecticut car insurance rates to widely vary in different counties. Also, specific companies can be very competitive in one area of the state, and quite high in another area.

 

6 Comments