Imagine driving home after a long day. You’re careful, seatbelt on, obeying every rule. Then — BAM! Another car hits you. You’re injured, your car’s a mess, and here’s the kicker: the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your medical bills. This is where underinsured motorist CT coverage steps in. It’s not just helpful. It’s necessary.

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage, and Why Should You Care?

Underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the person who causes the accident doesn’t have enough liability insurance to pay for your expenses. It’s different from uninsured motorist coverage, which helps if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. In Connecticut, where accidents and medical costs can escalate quickly, this extra protection is no small thing.

According to a 2023 study from the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. are either uninsured or underinsured. What’s worse? Connecticut ranks among the states with growing underinsured claims.

Now consider this: The average car accident claim involving injury costs over $23,000 (National Safety Council, 2024). If the other driver’s policy only covers $15,000, who pays the rest? You do, unless you have underinsured motorist CT protection.

A Real-World Problem for Regular People

Accidents don’t only happen to thrill-seekers. They happen to parents, delivery drivers, plumbers heading to a job, anyone. And medical bills aren’t the only expense. There’s lost income, therapy, even long-term care.

That’s why insurance experts recommend evaluating your auto insurance coverage every year. If you rely on your vehicle for work, especially in hands-on services like plumbing, one accident can halt everything.

What Exactly Does Underinsured Motorist CT Insurance Cover?

This type of insurance can include:
• Medical expenses: Covers everything from emergency room visits to surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up care.
• Lost wages: If you’re injured and can’t work, it helps replace the income you lose during your recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Offers financial compensation for emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
• Future medical care: Takes care of anticipated long-term medical costs related to the accident.

Let’s say a plumber in Bridgeport is rear-ended by a driver who only carries the state minimum liability coverage. The accident leaves the plumber with back injuries, unable to work for two months. Without underinsured motorist CT protection, that plumber would have to pay the remaining bills out of pocket. The medical expenses, physical therapy, and the income lost during recovery? Not reimbursed. But with this protection, the plumber’s lost wages and medical needs are covered, preventing financial strain and allowing recovery without added stress.

This kind of coverage isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. It fills the critical gap when another driver’s insurance doesn’t go far enough. Especially for those who depend on daily mobility for work, like contractors, service professionals, or business owners, that safety net is a financial lifesaver.

How Much Coverage Should You Have?

Here’s the thing: Connecticut law requires all drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. The state minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. But in most cases, that’s not nearly enough.

Experts suggest carrying the same amount of underinsured motorist coverage as your liability limits. So, if your policy covers others at $100,000, mirror that coverage for yourself. This way, you’re not just compliant — you’re truly protected.

Why Does This Matter for CT Business Owners and Contractors?

If you run a small plumbing company in Connecticut, your van isn’t just a ride — it’s your mobile office, your workshop, your livelihood. When an accident sidelines your vehicle, the ripple effect hits hard. Without adequate auto insurance coverage, and more specifically, underinsured motorist protection, that ripples turns into a wave.

A 2025 report from Pew Charitable Trusts noted that self-employed workers lose nearly $1,200 per week during accident-related downtime. And most small business insurance policies don’t cover personal auto injuries.

Choosing the Right Policy: Avoiding Gaps in Protection

Not all policies are created equal. Some limit underinsured motorist coverage to amounts lower than your potential medical expenses. Others may exclude critical items like wage replacement or long-term care. So, when you’re reviewing your plan, it’s essential to have a conversation with your insurance agent. Bring clarity to your coverage by asking:
• Is my underinsured motorist coverage equal to my liability limits?
• Are lost wages and long-term care included?
• How will claims be handled if the other driver has partial coverage?

By raising these questions upfront, you reduce your exposure to surprise costs later. Choosing a plan with well-matched limits ensures you’re not left scrambling financially after a crash. When you’re recovering from an accident, the last thing you want is uncertainty. Clear, comprehensive coverage offers reassurance when you need it most.

The Legal Side: Connecticut’s Unique Insurance Requirements

Connecticut’s Department of Insurance mandates that all car insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. But there’s flexibility in how much. Most people accept the default minimums — and that’s a risk.

The legal fine print is critical. According to the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID), policyholders can opt for conversion coverage, which allows your own policy limits to be added to the at-fault driver’s liability — instead of being offset by it. That’s a big deal in high-cost accidents.

Common Misconceptions You Should Watch Out For

• “I have health insurance. I don’t need this.”
Wrong. Health insurance may cover some costs, but it doesn’t reimburse lost wages or pain and suffering. It also won’t help repair your vehicle or compensate for your downtime.

• “I’m a careful driver. I won’t need it.”
You might be the safest driver in New Haven. But if someone else isn’t, you’ll still pay the price — unless your auto insurance coverage are properly set up.

• “It’s too expensive.”
Not really. The average cost to add solid underinsured motorist coverage is $40–$80 per year, depending on your insurer and limits. For what it protects? It’s one of the best deals in insurance.

How to Make Sure You’re Covered — Today

Ready to take action? Here’s what to do:
1. Review your current policy with a licensed insurance agent who can explain all the details.
2. Request your full coverage breakdown, paying special attention to your underinsured motorist limits, exclusions, and conversion options.
3. Compare multiple quotes from different insurers if your current provider doesn’t offer flexible protection that suits your needs.
4. Ask about conversion coverage, especially if you want your underinsured motorist coverage to stack on top of the at-fault driver’s.
5. Set a calendar reminder to review your policy annually. Life changes — so should your protection.
6. Make sure lost wages, long-term care, and pain and suffering are all clearly included in your policy.
7. Check if your policy can adjust for inflation or rising medical costs. This small step can prevent big financial setbacks.

The Final Word: Are You Truly Protected?

Accidents happen fast. The bills and fallout come even faster. That’s why underinsured motorist CT coverage isn’t just another line on your policy — it’s a lifeline when someone else’s policy falls short.

So here’s the question: If another driver hits you tomorrow and their insurance runs out… will yours be enough to keep you afloat?